The race is on and Maruti seems to be ahead in December. According to figures from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Maruti’s premium hatchback, the Baleno sold 10,572 units in December against Hyundai’s Elite i20 sales of 10,379 units. The Korean carmaker’s tally was higher in November, though.
Hyundai’s well respected Creta will also find competition from Maruti’s Vitra Brezza, due to be launched after February’s Delhi Auto Expo.
The Baleno, now being sold through Maruti’s new retail format Nexa, is one of the most ambitious products for India’s largest carmaker and also the mainstay for the Nexa channel.
Featuring a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 1.3-litre diesel engine, the Baleno has dual air bags and ABS as standard variant. Maruti executives say there is now a waiting period for the Baleno as the response from consumers has been strong.
