Maruti Swift Zxi vs Baleno Zeta – What to Buy Under Rs 8.5 Lakh?

In this post, I shall compare the Maruti Swift Zxi and Baleno Zeta trims. Both these are mid-level variants which generally offer the most value for money. That is the basis of this comparison as well. Swift is the newest entrant in our market from the largest carmaker in the country. It is available in its fourth-generation avatar. With a history dating back to 2005, the hatchback continues to be one of the most successful vehicles the Indian customers have ever seen. On the other hand, Baleno is the most successful and highest-selling premium hatchback in India. It rivals the likes of the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz. For now, let us compare the two similarly-priced trims of the two cars.

Maruti Swift Zxi vs Baleno Zeta – Price Comparison

Let us commence this comparison post by taking into consideration the prices. Since we are comparing the mid-trims of two cars, they are somewhat similarly priced. The Swift Zxi retails for Rs 8.29 lakh in the manual and Rs 8.79 lakh in the automatic variant. On the other hand, the Baleno Zeta has a price tag of Rs 8.43 lakh for the manual and Rs 8.93 lakh for the AMT automatic. You can clearly see that the AMT version bears a premium of Rs 50,000 in both cases. The difference in the prices of the two cars is just Rs 14,000. Note that these are ex-showroom prices. Hence, these are almost identical in this regard with the Swift having a slight advantage.

Maruti Swift Zxi vs Baleno Zeta – Specs Comparison

The new Maruti Swift comes with a brand-new engine. It is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E mill with mild hybrid technology which generates a healthy 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. There are options of choosing between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT automatic gearbox. Most potential car owners will be thrilled to know that the new Swift boasts an almost unbelievable mileage of 24.8 kmpl with the manual version and 25.75 kmpl with the automatic transmission. That is, in fact, the biggest talking point of the new Swift. Apart from that, it gets a usable 265-litre boot space which is enough to carry the luggage of a family around on a vacation. Finally, the ground clearance is a decent 163 mm which is enough to glide over most undulations on the road.

In comparison, the Maruti Baleno continues to be powered by the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K Series petrol engine which was available with the outgoing Swift as well. It makes a healthy 90 PS and 113 Nm of peak power and torque. Hence, the Baleno is slightly more powerful than the Swift. Buyers will also get the option of either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox with the Baleno, much similar to the Swift. However, the Baleno can also be had with a CNG powertrain in the Zeta trim which uses the same engine but produces slightly lower 78 PS and 99 Nm of peak power and torque. That will be the go-to choice for people looking for a low running cost option. The mileage figures of the Baleno are also pretty impressive at 22.35 kmpl for the manual, 22.94 kmpl for the AMT and 30.61 km/kg for the CNG. It has a larger boot at 318 litres and a ground clearance of 170 mm.

Maruti Swift Zxi vs Baleno Zeta – Dimensions Comparison

Next up, I am comparing the Swift and Baleno in terms of the dimensions because there is a significant distinction between the two. Even though the prices of the two are somewhat similar for the most part, the Baleno is evidently larger than the Swift. The Swift is shorter and narrower of the two but has more height. But the wheelbase of the Baleno is much more than the Swift. That translates to a larger cabin and boot space. Let us see the specifics of this aspect.

Features Comparison

The features on both these cars are quite attractive. Swift being the latest product in the portfolio of the largest carmaker in the country, comes with tons of modern amenities to grab the attention of new buyers. While that might be true for the top variant, the Zxi is the second from the top trim. Hence, it will get most of these new functionalities. That is the reason why the second-top variant is generally considered great value for money. Even the safety equipment on the new Swift is enhanced. Let us see the top highlights of the new Swift here:

• 7-inch Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• Over-the-Air (OTA) System Upgrades Using Smartphones
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Auto AC
• Rear AC Vents
• Wireless Charger
• 60:40 Split Rear Seat
• Rear USB Ports
• Rear Wiper & Washer
• Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• Luggage Room Lamp
• Electronic Stability Control
• 6 Airbags
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• Electrically Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Engine Push Start/Stop Button w/ Smart Key
• Alexa Skill Connectivity
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Rear USB Ports
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control

On the other hand, the Baleno Zeta trim also boasts some attractive features including the likes of:

• 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki” Command
• OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates
• 6-Speak Audio System
• MID for Driver’s Instrument Cluster with TFT Colour Display
• Front Sliding Centre Armrest
• 60:40 Split Rear Seats
• Front Footwell Lamp
• Suzuki Connect App with Tons of Connected and Remote Functions
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Alexa Skill Connectivity
• LED Projector Headlamp
• Rear AC Vents
• Rear Fast Charging USB
• Driver Seat Height Adjustment
• Electrically Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs
• Automatic Climate Control
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• 6 Airbags
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Rear View Camera
• 3-Point ELR Seat Belts for All Passengers
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorages

Our View

Now, choosing between these two can be a really tough challenge. I must highlight the pros and cons of each of these. Firstly, Swift is definitely the newer of the two. It comes with a new engine which offers a much higher mileage in comparison to the Baleno. There are all sorts of modern equipment and convenience amenities on offer. Even though the difference is minor, it is Rs 14,000 cheaper than the Baleno. On the other hand, Baleno is a larger vehicle which translates to a higher boot space and room in the cabin. While it costs slightly more, it is also the bigger of the two. Also, it produces higher power than the Swift. Hence, people could prefer it for its road presence and practicality. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

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