Maruti Suzuki’s Baleno and Tata’s Altroz have been clashing head to head ever since their initial launch. They are two of the most popular and most demanded premium hatchbacks in their segment for quite a long time. They face off in terms of design, features, performance, mileage, safety, and price.
These cars have their own strengths and weaknesses; the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is popular for being affordable and fuel efficient, while the Tata Altroz is popular for its wide range of engine options and robust build quality, appealing to different customers. But choosing between them is a tough battle, and we want to explore that. Let’s pit both of them against each other and help you decide the best option.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Dimensions
| Parameter | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Tata Altroz |
| Length (mm) | 3,990 mm | 3,990 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,745 mm | 1,755 mm |
| Height (unladen) (mm) | 1,500 mm | 1,523 mm |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,520 mm | 2,501 mm |
| Boot Space (L) | 318 L | 345 L |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 170 mm | 165 mm |
Both the cars feature similar dimension figures, the Baleno being slightly longer than the Altroz but the Altroz being slightly wider and taller. The Baleno also has a slightly longer wheelbase and a better ground clearance. Though the Tata Altroz can carry more luggage due to the 27 L difference between the boot space. Plus, the Altroz has a better boot layout, with more practical space to keep luggage items in the boot.
The ground clearance of the Baleno is somewhat higher by 5 mm, however for most, the difference should be negligible.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Engine and Transmission
| Parameter | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Tata Altroz |
| Engine options (cc) | 1197 (Petrol), 1197 (Petrol + CNG) | 1199 (Petrol), 1199 (Turbocharged Petrol), 1199 (Petrol + CNG), 1500 (Turbocharged Diesel) |
| Transmission options | Manual, Automatic (AMT) | Manual, Automatic (DCA) |
| Power (PS@rpm) | Up to 90 PS | Up to 110 @ 5500 (Turbo Petrol) |
| Torque (Nm@rpm) | Up to 113 PS | Up to 200 (Diesel) @ 1250 – 3500 |
| Mileage (kmpl) | Up to 22.94 (Petrol), 30.61 km/kg (CNG) | Up to 19.05 (Petrol), 24 (Diesel), 26.2 km/kg (CNG) |
The engine and transmission are where the biggest differences are seen between both the cars. The Tata Altroz by far provides the largest variety of engine options to choose from, which also includes a 1.5 L turbocharged diesel engine, a rarity in this segment. Going head to head, any of Tata Altroz’s variants beat the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s variants in terms of power and torque figures. However, the Baleno does provide a better mileage overall.
Both cars provide an automatic and manual option for each of their variants – however, the DCT Automatic in the Tata Altroz is a tad bit quicker than the AMT in Maruti Suzuki Baleno, albeit delivering a lower mileage. Tata also provides you far more options to choose from, and the choice ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Features and Comfort
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Tata Altroz |
| Infotainment System | 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Music System | 4 speakers + 2 tweeters (Select variants only) | 4 speakers + 4 tweeters (select variants only) |
| Climate Control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ventilated Seats | Not available | Not available |
| Adjustable Steering | Tilt and Telescopic | Tilt only |
| Drive Modes | Not available | Yes (City and Eco) |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog | Analog and Digital |
| Sunroof | Not available | Not available |
| Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric) | Manual | Manual |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 Rear Seat Split | Yes | Not available |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz have similar specs to boast about in the comfort feature comparison. Both cars come with touchscreen infotainment systems but the Baleno has a larger 9 inch screen vs the Altroz’s 7 inch screen. However, the Tata Altroz has the upperhand when comparing the speaker setup and quality of the system – the Altroz offering a 8-speaker Harman Kardon setup, compared to the 6-speaker setup found in the Baleno. At the same time, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno also misses out on drive modes which the Tata Altroz has.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Safety Features
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Tata Altroz |
| GNCAP safety ratings | 2-star | 5-star |
| Airbags | Dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags | Dual front airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Available | Available in top-end variant |
| Traction control | Not available | Not available |
| Automatic headlamps | Available in top-end variant | Not available |
| Rain sensing wipers | Available in top-end variant | Not available |
| Hill hold assist | Available in top-end variant | Not available |
| Hill descent control | Not available | Not available |
| Rear sensors | Available in top-end variants | Available as standard |
| Rear parking camera | Available in top-end variant | Available as standard |
| ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Not available | Not available |
Let us address the elephant in the room; the Tata Altroz comes with a 5 star GNCAP rating. That is something which can not be easily defeated. But the Baleno’s safety is quite good – with 6 airbags on the Zeta and Alpha trims, something that even the Altroz misses out on (it only gets 2 airbags).
Standard stability features such as ABS with EBD, and ESC are available in both cars while traction control is a miss in both of the cars. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has convenience features such as rain sensing wipers, hill hold assist, and automatic headlamps, which are not present in the Tata Altroz.
The Tata Altroz comes with rear sensors and a rear parking camera as standard features, whereas these are available only in the top variant of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. Both the cars feature ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz: Price Comparison
| Variant | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Tata Altroz |
| Base | ₹6.61 lakh | ₹6.60 lakh |
| Mid | ₹8.00 lakh | ₹9.10 lakh |
| Upper mid | ₹9.33 lakh | ₹10.00 lakh |
| Top | ₹9.88 lakh | ₹10.74 lakh |
The Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Baleno are equal head to head. Speaking about value for money, the Altroz offers many of its safety and convenience features such as rear parking cameras and sensors, along with a better build quality as standard across all variants. The Baleno has slightly better fuel efficiency and a few features such as rain sensing wipers, hill hold assist, and automatic headlamps.
Both the cars are equally spacious, but the Altroz feels a little more premium than the Baleno because of the fit and finish of the materials. The ergonomics and layout of the dashboard and the overall seating of the Altroz is slightly more natural and feels comfortable which makes the car a better value for money option for the prospective buyer.
Overall, for lower variants, the Altroz seems to be value for money, while the Baleno is an optimal choice for those who have the budget for its higher trims.
Summary
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz are the two most popular premium hatchbacks in India. The Baleno has a higher mileage, and more fuel options than Altroz while the latter has a higher safety rating and better driving dynamics. Both the Baleno and Altroz have similar dimensions and transmission options.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a good option for people who are looking for a reliable and fuel efficient hatchback, whereas the Tata Altroz is for those who want a powerful, safe, and spacious car. The decision ultimately depends on the personal preference and the budget.
FAQ’s
Why is Baleno so popular?
The Baleno features a curved appearance with large interiors. The front and rear seats are comfortable and have enough leg space. In addition, the car receives a clutter-free cabin along with a plethora of useful storage areas.
Is Tata Altroz spacious?
The Altroz’s interior is large and comfortable, making it ideal for both city driving and longer journeys. The driving experience is pleasant, with responsive handling and outstanding performance.
What is the engine difference between Baleno and Altroz?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and comes with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The CNG version of the same engine is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. On the other hand, Tata Altroz is available with three engine options: a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine , and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
What is the safety rating of Tata Altroz and Baleno?
With a 5-star GNCAP certification, the Tata Altroz differentiates out for its superior safety features, including ABS, fog lights, and high-speed stability. In comparison, the Baleno’s models include up to six airbags, ABS, and ESC, but it only receives a two-star GNCAP rating.
Which car is better than Baleno?
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz are two popular premium hatchbacks in India. The Baleno is less expensive, gets better mileage, and is more fuel efficient than the Altroz, but the latter has a higher safety rating, better driving dynamics, and has more features.
