Budget-conscious Car Buying Guide: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20

What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car

A budget-conscious buyer looks for affordability in terms of both upfront cost and long-term running expenses. Therefore, initial price, fuel efficiency, and maintenance costs play a crucial role. Safety, which should not be compromised, also forms a significant part of their consideration. Functionality and performance affecting the overall driving experience are valued too. Lastly, convenience features contributing to a comfortable drive are often desired, although they may take a backseat to cost considerations. For this comparison, we take a look at the base variants of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20, and find out which factors budget-conscious buyers should consider when choosing what model to buy.

Why Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 are popular among Budget-conscious buyers

Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 can be considered among the best budget cars in India, and have earned popularity among budget-conscious buyers due to their competitive pricing, excellent fuel efficiency, and strong safety features. Baleno, a product of Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, is renowned for its economical running and maintenance costs, along with an extensive service network. It also offers commendable space and comfort, placing it among the most value for money cars in India.

Maruti Suzuki BalenoOn the other hand, Hyundai i20 is admired for its robust build quality, contemporary design, and comprehensive feature list, even in its base variants. It brings in a blend of performance and practicality, wrapped in a stylish package. The safety measures in Hyundai i20 are appreciable, and it offers decent fuel efficiency, making it an affordable car option and a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Base variants of Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20

Product	Variant	Price
Hyundai i20	Magna	₹7,19,000
Maruti Suzuki Baleno	Sigma	₹6,61,000

Hyundai i20 Magna, despite being slightly more expensive, offers a balance of safety, fuel efficiency, and convenience. It is equipped with 2 airbags, has a city mileage of 16 kmpl, and offers convenience features such as rear AC vents and power windows on both front and back. First-time car buyers can read our guide for Hyundai i20 variants.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma, cheaper by a considerable margin, offers better fuel efficiency at 20 kmpl. It has the same number of airbags as the i20 but lacks some convenience features such as rear AC vents. However, its low cost and high fuel efficiency make it one of the best budget premium hatchbacks in India and a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers. We also have our guide for Maruti Suzuki Baleno variants for first-time car buyers.

Best base variant among Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 for Budget-conscious buyer

Considering the essential factors for a budget-conscious buyer – cost, safety, and fuel efficiency – Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma emerges as the best option. Its lower price point and superior fuel efficiency make it an economical choice for long-term ownership. It matches Hyundai i20 Magna in safety with two airbags and ABS. Though it lacks some convenience features, these are secondary considerations for budget-conscious buyers whose primary concern is affordability.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 base variants ranked

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma
2. Hyundai i20 Magna

Here’s a comparison of their P0 attributes:

Attribute	Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma	Hyundai i20 Magna
ABS	Yes	Yes
Airbags	2	2
City Mileage (kmpl)	20	16
Engine – Fuel type	Petrol	Petrol
Power Steering	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Back	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes

In conclusion, both Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma and Hyundai i20 Magna are great options for budget-conscious buyers. Baleno Sigma, with its lower cost and higher fuel efficiency, offers excellent value. Meanwhile, the i20 Magna offers some additional comfort features, making it a worthy consideration as an affordable premium hatchback for those willing to stretch their budget slightly. If you are a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Baleno and i20.

Also read: Maruti”s forgotten cars: hatchbacks, sedans and more from Zen 2 door to Kizashi