Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno in 2020 | Which One Should You Buy?

It is almost like Maruti doesn’t let anyone even stand a chance at the top step of the sales charts in India. As soon as the Swift started to show it’s age, Maruti brought in the Baleno in 2015 as it’s latest hatchback market, slayer. Baleno completely stole the Swift’s thunder until the third-gen of the hatch came along. That was almost five years ago and the Maruti Swift in August 2020 made a comeback at the top of the sales charts screaming “Look who’s back”. Long story short, both the Baleno and Swift have in house battle going on to become the most celebrated hatchback in India.

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Despite the two Maruti hatchbacks belonging to two different segments, they are often pitted against each other being cut from the same cloth. A customer out in the market to buy a Maruti hatchback will often find themselves baffled as to which of the two will be the best-suited hatchback for them. Hence today, we compare the two Maruti aces the Swift and the Baleno, to find out which one you should buy in 2020.

Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | Dimensions Comparison

Honestly, there can be no contest between the two as far as dimensions are concerned. The Baleno is clearly the bigger of the two hatchbacks. What most people like to gather is exactly how much is the difference. So, here’s how the dimensions of the Swift and the Baleno compare.

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The difference judging by the numbers might not seem substantial. But you’ve got to experience the two cars to know the actual difference. The Baleno’s rear legroom space and boot space is way more spacious than the Swift.

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So if there’s no way you can compromise on space and you’ll be more than happy to pay for it, then the Baleno is your car. On the other hand, if a spacious cabin isn’t the end all be all for you then the Swift doesn’t fall too short either.

Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | Performance

Samesies!! Both the Swift and the Baleno share the exact same powertrains. The only difference being in the transmissions. Both cars come with the BS6 updated 1.2-litre, VTVT petrol engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox in the manual variant. The difference is in the automatics, the Swift has an AMT transmission on offer while the Baleno has got a CVT automatic gearbox.

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The Baleno however, also has a 1.2-litre, DualJet petrol motor mated to a 5-speed manual on offer. This motor is also speculated to power the facelifted Maruti Swift which was supposed to launch this festive season.

The Baleno with its DualJet manual powertrain and even with the standard, the petrol manual is quicker than Swift. But as far as the automatic transmissions of two cars are concerned, The AMT of the Swift will definitely have better feedback on offer than the CVT on the Baleno.

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Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | Fuel Economy

As per the ARAI figures, the Baleno might seem like a more fuel-efficient option. But it is a different story when it comes to real-life hustle. Swift’s N/A motor offers more fuel efficiency as opposed to the Baleno’s DualJet and standard motor with manual transmission. In case of the automatic, an AMT is known to offer more efficiency than the CVT.

Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | Safety Features

Safety Features Comparison
Safety Features	Maruti Swift	Maruti Baleno
Dual Front Airbags
ABS with EBD
Brake Assist
Front Disc Brakes
Rear Disc Brakes
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
Halogen Projector Headlamps
High-Speed Warning
Reverse Parking Sensor
*THE FEATURES MENTIONED ARE FOR THE BASE VARIANT*

Both Maruti Swift and Maruti Baleno offer almost the same safety equipment as standard across the range.

Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | Comfort and Convenience

Comfort and Convenience Features
Features	Maruti Swift	Maruti Baleno
Touchscreen Infotainment
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Keyless Entry
Tilt Steering
Telescopic Steering
Auto AC
Cruise Control
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Rain Sensing Auto Wipers
Rear AC Vents
Steering Mounted Controls
Auto folding ORVMs

Comparing the top-spec variants of both the cars, they have the same list of equipment on offer on this department as well. So, if you wanted to spend almost a lakh rupees more on the Baleno hoping to get a better equipment list, then it’ll all be in vain. The Swift can offer you the same comfort and convenience features as well.

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Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | Pricing

Maruti Swift vs Maruti Baleno | So what does it all come down to?

Looking at the price list, each variant of the Baleno compared to the respective variants in the Swift cost at least ₹25,000 more and this difference goes up to ₹ 94,000 speaking of the top-spec variants. So the question is, do you really need to spend that much more money on a Baleno instead of picking the Swift?

The Answer to that is factors like bigger proportions, more powertrain options and overall being a tad bit more premium than the Swift works in favour of the Baleno. However, if you are a fan of the no-nonsense sporty attributes of the Swift, then extra stuff that the Baleno has to offer won’t bother you much. Since both the cars have similar underpinnings overall, choosing the Swift over the Baleno will at least help you save a great deal that you could spend later on the car’s maintenance.

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With the Swift possibly getting the DualJet engine sometime soon and with a decent enough equipment list, the top-most thing not working in the Swift’s favour is just the smaller proportions. If you are able to make peace with that, we dare say that the Swift might just be the wiser choice of the two.

Maruti Swift or Maruti Baleno, which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section.