Today, our Maruti Suzuki Baleno completes five years, and I thought of writing a small recap article about our experience with our car so far. We bought the Alpha CVT trim on November 2, 2018. It was the first automatic vehicle for the family and has covered 64,000 km in half a decade.
Ownership has mostly been hassle-free, but with minor problems associated with aging Maruti Suzuki cars.
Reasons to Love It:
Easy to drive in a city like Delhi, and the smooth transmission is a boon.
Offers great creature comforts and features that are built to last.
The infotainment system supports wired CarPlay and Android Auto and is not laggy overall.
The graphics feel a bit outdated, but they do the job exceptionally well.
The no-nonsense 7-inch touchscreen is responsive and easy to use on the go.
The design and looks are sharp and remain fresh to this date.
The HID cat-eye headlights offer excellent throw and luminosity.
It is a spacious hatchback and offers ample space for passengers and cargo.
The colors and graphics of the MID screen are aesthetically pleasing and crisp.
Extremely economical maintenance costs.
Our 1.2L Suzuki is peppy to drive in traffic but suffers from the most inevitable problem of all CVTs – having the rubber-band effect when pushed hard. The RPM skyrockets; however, the speed does not. Our Baleno is running on stock R16 Apollo tires that have quite a bit of life left in them. Having a Sports mode is an added plus, especially for me when I am in the mood to hear high revs and get quicker responses from the transmission.
The suspension is a tad bit stiff and can surely be felt on bigger potholes and rough roads. The tires complement long highway rides. Fuel economy figures are impressive; they have to be – it is a Maruti Suzuki. City driving offers anywhere between 13 -16 kmpl, depending on the way of driving and traffic conditions in Delhi.
Similarly, highway rides and mountain trips are smooth with steady economy figures (16-19 kmpl) and good performance. However, lately, the CVT gets out of breath in the hills when pushed hard on steeper slopes. This was not the case when the car was new and less driven.
Reasons to Loathe It:
The inside IRVM is placed too low and obstructs the driver’s view on winding roads and turns.
The sloping roofline makes the rear headroom an area of significant weakness.
While most technologies work effortlessly, rear parking sensors have caused problems, requiring frequent services or replacement.
The quality of plastics in the interior is rather basic, making them prone to scratches and glossy reflections on the windscreen.
The vent adjustment (rectangular) knob on the co-driver side broke due to heat and poor build quality.
The loading lip for the boot is extremely high, causing problems while loading large suitcases.
The car has experienced varied terrains and has gone on trips to Baralacha La Pass, Jaipur, Dehradun, Dharamshala, and McLeodganj multiple times. I like that the car makes it through reasonable obstacles smoothly and hardly disappoints. We have gotten it serviced regularly through Maruti since 2018. The sticky steering column was replaced under a goodwill warranty in 2022 at 44,000 km and works efficiently with no further issues. A suspension bearing was changed since it was making some irritable noise.
Upgrades and Added Accessories:
I upgraded the stock halogen fog lamps to genuine NEXA LED fog lamps (available stock in the XL6).
Got high-quality leather seat covers installed from Top Gear in 2018. They have aged well and remain wrinkle-free and sturdy.
I got the key-activated auto mirror folding relay installed in 2018, which works seamlessly.
Side biddings and door visors were installed at the time of delivery.
The Baleno knocks it out of the park for comfort and practicality. Easy to drive and maintain, coupled with useful and quirky features, has made it a best-seller since 2016. The car has made it to over 1.2 million homes in India and shall cross the 2 million milestone in due time.
Final Thoughts
Our car has been subject to Delhi’s regular wear and tear with minor scratches and small dents. The front bumper and right-side fog lamp were replaced recently after they met with a small accident on the highway. A stray dog came running in the opposite direction; however, passengers were completely safe, and the car took the blow well. All repair work, whether replacement or denting, has been done through authorized MS service centers. Surprisingly, the battery has been replaced twice within five years.
My family has driven Marutis for over two decades and has never faced issues with safety. We drive sensibly and calmly. I focus on safe and rational driving practices that keep me and others on the road safe. However, MS can work on incorporating even better safety standards and equipment.
My family and I are content with the choice and have driven 64,000 km happily, barring a few hiccups here and there. The Baleno is a stylish and city-friendly car that makes driving easy-going, amusing, and pleasant. The CVT auto box is slick and delivers impressive fuel economy figures too.
All said and done, there is surely peace of mind associated with owning a Maruti Suzuki. We look forward to hitting the 100,000-kilometer milestone.
Today marks the 8th Birthday of our Maruti Ertiga. Back in the day when it was launched, it was a show-stealer at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi which I attended with my family to particularly check out this new MPV that Maruti had planned to launch. The Ertiga seemed to be the perfect fit for our budget and purpose. We bought the top-end ZXI variant in serene blue color on 18 May 2012. The Toyota Innova had been dominating the MPV segment for years and it was time for Maruti to launch something interesting, practical, economical and efficient, and they were successful. Initially, in May 2012 the Ertiga was quite the attention seeker on the road. While on a road trip, I remember people asking my father whether the car was an import from Japan or not. Well, since then we have come a long way with our Ertiga.
A feeling called LUV: Delivery on 18.05.2012 from T.R Sawhney Motors
After 8 years of owning and driving the car for almost 49K km, we made it through with the car under every situation possible, in terms of different road and terrain conditions combined with unpredictable weather and multiple passengers.
Engine and Transmission:
The Ertiga debuted with Maruti’s new K14 1.4L petrol engine. This 1,373cc engine was rated at 94 HP (@ 6,000 rpm) and 130 Nm of torque (@ 4,000 rpm). The diesel counterpart was the standard 1.3L DDIS on offer. We opted for the 1.4L petrol since our family’s running wasn’t that much. The Ertiga’s 1.4L motor is extremely rev-happy and willingly crosses the 6,000 rpm mark. The pickup of the car is powerful and revving the car feels fresh even now. Vibrations are well-insulated throughout the rev range. The petrol engine came mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox which is a slick and smooth unit. The clutch pedal is light & effortless to use too; this combined with the light steering, a commanding yet comfortable ride quality and low-end torque make the Ertiga easy to drive in the city and on highways. The 1.4L petrol is rather quintessential to use in bumper to bumper traffic.
Driving experience:
The car is an absolute delight to drive on long-distance trips. Our family has had frequent trips to Dehradun and Mussoorie, which is about 270kms from New Delhi. It feels smooth and planted on the highway, even while overtaking, the peppy petrol engine does a good-enough job. This tallboy MPV is deft to use in the city. The car-like dimensions make driving in New Delhi almost effortless. That being said, parking space is not at all Ertiga’s concern when compared to other MPV’s like the Toyota Innova and Mahindra Scorpio. The shorter gear ratios complement the ease of use within the city, but power response takes a hit. The driver feels a constant need to change gears since the car feels drab under certain situations. The lack of power and the increased amount of strain on the 94hp engine is felt at large in hilly areas. Steep inclines get tough to maneuver. One has to downshift gears and keep the clutch game strong. The taller gear ratios for the 4th and 5th gears do tend to hinder the highway experience for the car. The taller gear ratios leave the driver in need of a 6th gear and the engine seems to run out of breath at times.
Photo Credit: Team BHP The K14 1.4 L Petrol engine made its debut in the Ertiga
Additionally, this 1.4L motor highlights the flat mid-range problem and thus, constant downshifting is something our family has gotten used to in the Ertiga. All in all, the petrol Ertiga is the real deal when it comes to city-friendly people movers and feels burnished to drive on the highways too. After 8 years of owning the car, I can surely say that the driving experience has been pleasant with a few hits and misses here and there.
Interiors:
The color combination on the Ertiga’s interior feels plush but the beige color may not suit everyone’s liking. The first-gen Ertiga had plenty of features to offer, the waterfall-like design of the center console appears premium till date and the cabin has an opulent feel to it. Our Ertiga being the top Z trim came with the two-din audio head unit with Radio, MP3, USB, AUX, I-pod, and a CD player functionality.
Moving on to the seats, the Ertiga offers enormous and comfortable front seats with excellent thigh support. This is the place I generally like to be in. Frontal visibility is fantastic due to the higher seating position. The driver’s seat also comes with a height adjuster.
The second row of seats is easy to access and offer humongous amounts of space. There is a good amount of headroom even for taller passengers. The second row of seats with the slide and recline feature is a boon in the absence of 3rd-row passengers. The seats slide back completely offering immense legroom for any person to take long and comfortable naps. Believe me, my mom and sister have taken many! On the other hand, the headrests for the rear could have been shaped better since they do not match everyone’s sense of head comfort. Very often, my brother used to take them out on long road trips. They tend to hit the shoulders when they are on the lowest level.
Photo Credit: Team BHP The cabin feels AIRY and PREMIUM
The efficient air conditioning system with vents overhead in the middle row makes circulation of air an extremely easy job.The passengers in, both, the middle and the last row do get to get cold very fast when the blower is set to higher fan speeds. Sadly, the ingress and egress for the third row is a weak point for the Ertiga. Access could have been better.
On the space front, the 3rd row does not offer much space for average-sized adults. Once seated, the legroom is limited, unless you move the 2nd row forward, but then the middle-row passengers lose out on space. The 3rd row is not meant for long distances, but it offers ample space for city rides.
Overall, the interior is spacious with wide glass areas for the front and sides. The car offers plenty of storage spaces even in the last row with big bottle holders on each side along with armrests. That being said, the car has plenty of airiness on offer and the second row is the perfect place to be for congeniality. With the last row down, the boot space increases to a gigantic 500 liters.
NEVER FALL SHORT OF SPACE: With the last row of seats down, you can fit in everything!
Exteriors and Ride Quality:
The car has a more conventional MPV like design and looks have never been the talking point for the Ertiga. The big headlights though halogens offer a good throw for every lighting condition. The fog lamps on offer do help to spot bumps and potholes in the night. The side doors are unconventionally big and one has to be on a lookout when opening them. The rear-view mirrors integrated with turn indicators offer great visibility. The multi-spoke alloy wheels complement the car’s stance but the tyre size is too small for a car this size. The small tyres do come under scrutiny around potholes with a full load of passengers on board. 16 or 17 inchers would have been the right choice. However, the car absorbs rough patches well but larger potholes do bring some thud inside the cabin.
BEAUTIFUL: En Route Mussoorie
Despite the soft suspension tune, the handling is well contained in the Ertiga as per MPV standards. On corners and at any speed, the Ertiga allows you to maneuver with stability and confidence. Although slight body roll is evident. The long wheelbase is a significant contributor to the good stability of the Ertiga.
Hits & Misses:
Hits:
The Ertiga scores high on practicality and comfort. It feels light to drive and is a comfortable car with the ability to do long trips without much hassle. The low maintenance cost is a big plus point for the Ertiga. For over 8 years with regular services, maintenance costs have been nothing but economical. Comfort and convenience are where the Ertiga knocks it out of the park. The sense of security and command the car offers is commendable too. The large seats and a well laid out cabin with good quality materials add to the plushness and premium feel of the car. The Serene blue color is peculiar and is an uncommon sight on the road, though it fits perfectly with the car’s elegance. Considering the price range it was launched in, features like the steering mounted audio controls, tweeters, and a rear fog light made the Ertiga stand apart from its rivals. The Ertiga scored high on the safety front as well with ABS, EBD, and 2 front airbags on offer in my car.
Misses:
Minimal boot space with three rows up, the lack of Bluetooth connectivity for the audio system, and no automatic climate control, which by the way was on offer in the Swift Z trims back in 2012, were major misses in the first-gen Ertiga. Consequently, the practicality of the car does come at a cost, the letdown being the poor fuel economy figures in the city. That being said, the car also comes across as underpowered on hilly sections and steep inclines with more than five passengers on board. The boot space becomes an issue on long-distance trips when the entire family is aboard. Fortunately, the first-gen model served as a successful predecessor to the current-gen Ertiga which took into account these shortfalls. Personally speaking, I do miss some other Knick-knacks like a driver’s side armrest, a cooled glovebox, and auto-folding rear view mirrors. Lastly, the utilitarian look of the car was a letdown for many Indian car buyers.
FUN FACTS:
• The Ertiga is one of the very few cars to have an all beige steering.
Photo Credit: Team BHP
• The top-end Z trim came with 2 tweeters located at the ends of the dashboard.
Before completing the review, it is unfair to not talk about what my family had to say about this family-friendly car:
“The car has been a real value for money. Overall, a very good MPV to own, both, for the city, and long-distance driving even with a full load of passengers.” commented my father, Mr. Arvind Srivastava.
“I like the initial pickup it gives me a very strong feeling. It is comfortable to drive. But the fuel consumption figures could have been better considering it is a car made for traveling purposes.” says, my brother, Armaan Srivastava.
PLANTED AND SMOOTH: Highway runs are fun over long stretches
Final Verdict:
The Maruti Ertiga has been a huge success for Maruti Suzuki in India and continues to be a hot-selling MPV even today. The car-like dimensions coupled with comfort and practicality do make the Ertiga the ideal Indian “family car”. After 8 years of use, the Ertiga stays true to its purpose of offering comfortable city and highway rides with the reliability of a Maruti. All said and done the Ertiga is comfortable to drive, economical, scores high on practicality, and with all that it had to offer, for me and my family it was worth the investment. Maruti badged the Ertiga as a feeling called “LUV” and indeed, it turned out to be that way for us, a Life Utility Vehicle.
Today, my Honda Civic completes one year with 28020 kms on the odometer. The ownership and driving experience over the last year has allowed me to observe the car’s dynamics closely. I have enjoyed every km on the Odo and cannot wait for some extensive road trips in the future. I bought it brand new on January 13, 2024 with 5 km on the odometer.
The review is meant to share my observations as a car enthusiast but also convey to others out there what owning a non-hybrid gas powered Honda means in 2025. The first observation is that I absolutely LOVE the colour!
Driving Experience
My Honda Civic Sport has a 2.0L DOHC I-VTEC engine that delivers 158 hp and 138 lb-feet of torque. It is mated to a 7-step CVT gearbox. The model comes with three drive modes ECON, NORMAL and SPORT. The calibration of the engine to the gearbox is phenomenal. Honda engineers have mated the car to a gearbox that does not feel groggy or strained under most conditions. The Civic Sport retains its sportiness even while being an excellent city car with commendable fuel economy figures. Currently, I get about 6.6l/100km or 37 MPG. Occasionally, I have also enjoyed using the SPORT mode.
Highway rides are butter smooth and cruising at a constant speed is the real charm. Overtakes, however, are a bit strained if I put my foot down on the pedal – a common CVT issue. I have a very sedate driving style, and I like to keep a light foot on the gas pedal. I am 100% sure that my driving style gels extremely well with the engine and gearbox. Steep hills or terrains are also a no-brainer for the Honda, and it holds ground really well without much pressure.
The speed pickup from 20-70 km/h is responsive and enjoyable. Moments like these make me appreciate the I-VTEC engine even more. Ultimately, my Civic is a smooth, reliable and fun highway cruiser and makes covering distances a hassle-free task.
So far, I have done two oil changes and regular maintenance as required.
Comfort and Convenience
The interior of the 2024 Civic is by far the most eye-catching part of the car. The well-laid-out, beautiful and practical interior scores 10/10 on all fronts. The gloss black panels complement the silver-finished honey-comb mesh design. Soft touch plastics and a carbon-fiber-like design on the centre console are some of the many features that stand out. However, my favourite are the knurled finished knobs for the A/C and temperature gauges. They make the perfect sound and uplift the overall look of the cabin.
There is plenty of storage space with cupholders all around. The infotainment touch screen works efficiently but feels a bit outdated for a 2024 car. It supports wired Apple Car Play and otherwise gets the job done. The heated steering wheel has a sleek design, and the buttons have good fit and finish. Lastly, the semi-digital instrument cluster or MID is simple and neat. It displays the right information and is easy to toggle through. The only downside is the placement of the fuel level indicator which is often below eye level and requires extra effort to look at while on the go.
Additionally, the front seats offer generous comfort and the cushioning is plush. Longer rides are comfortable and the lumbar support is adequate as well.
Safety Suite
My trim comes equipped with a wide variety of ADAS (driver assist) features like Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Vehicle Proximity Brake reminder. 10 airbags are standard across all trims. The driver assist systems while effective rely solely on a camera-based system which tends to give up in difficult weather conditions. Lastly, the cruise control is extremely sensitive to picking up speed. For example, if the cruise is set at 115km/h and it slows down due to the car ahead, it then goes hard on the pedal to come back to the set cruise speed. RPM blasts to over 3.5k and then comes to normal in a few seconds. I have learned to live with this and tend to take control myself in such situations.
My car was also subject to the nationwide safety recall issued for the sticky steering problem. Honda worked on the recall free of charge. Incidentally, I got the required parts replaced on 13 January 2025, the first ownership birthday of the car.
Design and Exterior
The car looks sleek and pretty from every angle. The sharp lines of the Civic are highlighted greatly by the Aegean Blue Metallic paint shade. The clamshell hood flows smoothly to the wrap-around sleek LED headlights. The looks and design are typical Honda – simple, practical and good-looking.
My favourite is the side profile from the front which is enhanced by the 18-inch gloss back alloy wheels. The rear taillights are positioned well and complement the rear profile of the car. The chrome exhaust tip is a neat little addition too. The boot is extremely spacious, and airport runs or shifting houses is not a challenge at all. Finally, rear seat space is best for two average-sized adults. Friends have had comfortable road trips in the rear but have complained a little about road noise filtering into the cabin.
For reference, here is a picture of a friend who is 6ft tall and sat in the rear after the front seat was set to my driving position. I am also 6ft tall and the knee room is quite evident in the picture.
I have always hand-washed my car or have gone to a touchless car wash. I take care of the paint and alloy wheels regularly and it has allowed me to keep the car free of any swirl marks to date. Next summer, I plan to get the windows tinted.
Gimmicks I love:
The walkaway Auto-Lock feature
Remote Start
A very accurate AUTO high beam and dim feature
Heated Steering and Wing Mirrors
Paddle Shifters
Graphics of the car ahead when cruise is in action
Ergonomic Issues and Flaws:
I dislike the wiper washer design as it is not effective at all. The 2022 and above Civics came with the washer attached to the wiper itself as opposed to the traditional sprayers placed on the hood. The washer wastes a lot of water and does not wipe the entire windshield properly. It leaves behind grime marks and the washer tank requires very frequent top-ups.
Moreover, the exit passage for the wiper fluid was not designed well. As seen in the picture above, the water leaves dirty streaks on the driver-side window and door. It becomes a hindrance on highway runs.
Being born a Honda means low ground clearance is in its DNA. The low stance though sporty requires extra care on steep speed bumps or raised plaza entrances. I remember the bottom of the front bumper scraped in Boston where I entered a rough and uneven plaza parking lot without paying attention.
Lastly, road noise is a persistent issue on highway runs. The 18-inch low-profile tires look amazing but come at the cost of excessive road noise filtering into the cabin. Also, every jolt of a pothole is felt inside the cabin. Noise insulation could be better, and I hope Honda works on resolving the issue.
Road Trip Log
Milton, ON Canada to Brookline, Massachusetts USA – 1786 km
Milton, ON to Quebec City, Quebec – 1756 km
Milton ON Canada to Detroit, Michigan – 770 km
Milton, ON to Severn Bridge, ON – 402 km
Add Ons:
HPD Front Bumper Gloss Black Spoilers
DOHC I-VTEC 2.0L stickers on the front two doors
Paint matching blue interior door panel covers
Carbon Fiber covers for the A-pillar vents
Honda Cushion Pads for all 4 seatbelts
Black Emblems
Anti-Skid Boot Mat
Interestingly, my friend Daan who is a new driver also drove my car on multiple occasions. Here is a little review from him,
“As a first time driver the Honda Civic provided a great experience. At no point were there any surprises or hiccups in the performance. The car was smooth and easy to drive, allowing me to practice at ease.”
Final Verdict
I have enjoyed every kilometre I have driven in the Civic. The car scores high on practicality, comfort and driving pleasure. It is a well-packaged combo of Japanese engineering, reliability and sportiness. Numerous road trips, highway and city driving along with chaotic traffic rides have allowed me to observe the dynamics of the car very closely. Like every car, it has its flaws, but it is worth the investment. I enjoy driving and as an auto enthusiast, my Civic ticks all the right boxes for me. It is the perfect first car to buy in Canada at this price point!
I look forward to the next 30k km and more with my Blue Blaze.
Today, our Honda Jazz completes ten years with 80179 km on the odometer. The user experience has been full of jazz and happy moments. We purchased it on 18 November 2011, and it doesn’t feel a decade old. We often get compliments from people who call it only 5/6 years old. We have maintained it well too.
The decision to buy the Jazz was an interesting one, and the story leading to buying the car is even more fun. My father loved the Jazz and wanted to buy one in 2008, but steep prices kept him back. It was only in 2011 that Honda lowered the prices and my family decided to go for it. I was in grade 5, and my excitement knew no bounds.
Ironically, the buying process was not as smooth. We booked the top-end Jazz X in Alabaster Silver colour on 11 August 2011. Honda gave us a waiting period of about two months. Jazz had many parts imported from Thailand, and floods hit Thailand during the same time, which meant a delay in production and delivery of the car. In September, we were told by our dealer that Jazz X was unavailable. Honda gave us two options, a) buy the Honda City V Exclusive Model with some discount or b) Buy the second top model Jazz Select in Red colour.
Based on the picture, you know the option we chose.
Driving Experience
Even after ten years, the first thing everyone says after driving it is, “This is as good as new!” I like to describe it as butter smooth. It is powered by Honda’s 1.2l I-VTEC engine that produces 89 bhp and 110 Nm of torque. The engine is super silent and hardly makes any noise.
The driving dynamics and experience are on point. You cannot beat the Jazz for its comfort and reliability in the city. However, quick response and peppiness are some of the downsides of the Jazz. Smoothness is guaranteed, but so is a dull powertrain. There are instances when there is no power response from the car when you slide into third gear. You sit there waiting for the car to wake up. Overall, the manual gearbox is mated well to the 1.2 and works efficiently even after ten years. Over the years, the clutch has worn out and become hard, but that does not come as a surprise. It is manageable to drive. The steering is swift and feels light – the same since 2011. No change there.
The Jazz still turns heads!
We haven’t taken it for many road trips because of its low ground clearance, but it feels planted and stable on the highway. Fuel economy figures are suitable enough for both long trips and local commutes.
Practicality & Comfort
Two phrases – ‘10/10’ and ‘perfect’ describe the Jazz prudently. In this segment, you could not ask for an airier or roomier cabin. It is so spacious inside out. The quasi-MPV like shape works to its advantage. Seating three in the back is super easy, and all three passengers get equal comfort. Ample headroom and leg space make all kinds of rides relaxed and comfy.
The interior of the first-gen facelifted Jazz was unbeatable for its time. The layout is aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing. For a 2011 car, the centre console layout was futuristic and class apart. The interior looks smart to date. The interiors offer usability and space efficiency to the max. The front seats are wide and offer generous space too. The instrumental cluster is analog, but the orange adds to its sportiness. It never feels or looks dull.
The windshield is humongous, and the distance from the A/C vents to the end of the dashboard is exceptional as well.
Throughout the car, you get multiple storage places and cup holders. The dual glove-box setup is exclusive and not typical, even in modern vehicles. You cannot run out of space, literally. The ‘Select’ trim came with beige upholstery along with its pros and cons. The beige makes the cabin seem bigger, but it takes a lot to maintain it as well.
Boot space is another feather in the cap for the Jazz. It offered 399 litres of boot space, unmatched and first in the segment. That kind of boot space coupled with the magic seats allows for enormous amounts of storage. For this reason, carrying boxes, mattresses, cycles, or other longer items is a piece of cake for our family. It is a pity that the magic seats were discontinued for the current generation.
Image Courtesy: indianautosblog
Lastly, the quality of plastics is excellent and sturdy throughout the car. My mother compliments the air-conditioning system almost every time she sits in/drives the car. It is true as well. The A/C is highly effective and cools the car quickly, even in peak summers. Much like the car, the A/C system has not aged at all.
Exteriors and Ride Quality
Looks have always been the talking point for the Jazz. It is sharp, good-looking, and fresh. There is no comparison with the newer generation model. The aerodynamic design is a required thing, but it essentially adds to the beauty of the car. The angular headlamps, small bonnet and large windshield, make it look young always. Overall, it is a well-designed car. Honda’s decision to revise the front grille, front and rear bumpers and the headlights worked in their favour.
Our model came with 15-inch silver alloy wheels, a chrome grille and rear chrome plate, rear wiper and defogger as standard. Safety features included two airbags, ABS and EBD.
Moving on, the ride quality is not the best in class. The suspension is tuned to be too soft and becomes a problem on unduly roads. The comfort inside is fine, but a lot of the road noise and thuds travel inside the cabin. The biggest problem we face is the low ground clearance. It is a constant problem, and we have gotten used to it. The underbelly has scraped multiple speed breakers, uneven bumps, and ramps even with a single person on board. With a full load, one must be extra cautious.
Finally, an annoying design flaw are the outside rear view mirrors that are placed too outwardly and tend to hit other cars/obstacles very easily. One has to be extremely careful in narrow lanes. We have replaced the inside glass of the left ORVM thrice till now.
Wear and Tear
Firstly, the overall build quality of materials is impressive as most of it remains intact to date. We got the tires changed fairly soon since our Michelin stock tires were fake, I believe. They got cut and torn apart for no reason without any rough use.
Secondly, the rear left door handle is experiencing a clear coat paint failure. Additionally, the paint has faded from the edges of the A-pillar and door shoulders but these are acceptable after a decade of use. The quality of rubber biddings is not very satisfactory, and the ones on the exterior can die any day.
Sadly, while parked, it was hit in the rear by a Maruti Omni van in May 2017. We got the windscreen and taillight changed and the rear quarter panel and boot door were dented and painted by Honda.
Before and After: May 2017
Add Ons: Upgrades
The most prominent disadvantage of the Jazz is its low ground clearance. We got the suspension raised by adding suspension blocks, and those have helped a fair amount over steeper speed breakers and ramps. Apart from that, the car is all stock!
Upgraded stock halogen bulbs to Phoenix’s Ultra Blue Bulbs.
Got the steering wheel leather wrapped.
Jazz’s Uniqueness
Magic Seats – the rear Magic Seats offer distinctive configurations. Fold up to store longer items or fold flat to increase the boot space.
Image Courtesy: Subcompact Culture
A/C ducts under the front seats are activated when the air on feet mode is selected.
A secret storage space under the left-hand side rear passenger seat.
Biggest rear quarter windows in the segment from its time.
Comments by fellow Jazzers
“A car that no owner will ever forget. Evergreen.” claims my brother with pride.
“Can’t think of a replacement. Ticks all the boxes!” says fellow Jazzer, Prem Bal. His Jazz turns 10 in April 2022.
“Only ground clearance is the issue; otherwise, this is the number 1 car in its segment,” says Rahul Sharma, whose Jazz turns 10 in December 2022.
“I sometimes forget that the ignition is ON; it is so silent,” comments my father.
Final Verdict
The Jazz is a car you wouldn’t want to sell. It is butter smooth and offers refinement in various ways even after years of use. Comfort and practicality are its most significant plus points. The engine and performance are satisfactory, but you cannot call it an enthusiast’s car. MS Swift takes the lead there. It isn’t easy to spot many first-gen facelift models of the Jazz on the road, and thus, the feeling of owning a unique car remains alive. It is the perfect family hatchback with a few misses that can be ignored. It is big on space and looks dynamic after a decade as well. It is an evergreen car and will be missed when sold.
It was when I heard my dad talking about how he was stuck in traffic in Dwarka for more than an hour that the thought of buying an automatic struck me. We hadn’t had any automatics before, so it was supposed to be the first one. We had been debating for a while now about which car to sell. Out of the three cars my family owned at that time, the Maruti Ertiga (2012), the Honda Jazz (2011) and the Maruti WagonR CNG (2012), selling the WagonR was the most likely choice considering its age and the KM’s it had run. Though, to be very honest we were bored with the WagonR and wanted something new.
We looked at all possible options including the Swift, Swift Dzire, Honda Jazz and the Baleno, keeping in mind our budget and requirements since we wanted a smart, practical and feature rich car. It was on 30 September 2018 that we first test drove the Swift AT to get a knack of the automatic gearbox and to know what it had to offer. My dad test drove the AGS (Auto Gear Shift) Swift and gave a good feedback. I was apprehensive to drive it as I hadn’t driven an automatic before, but I couldn’t hold my horses for long. Thus, on reaching back home, I took control and did so bad because I used the left foot to brake and as a result the car kept stopping with big thuds. Anyway, we talked about our feedbacks, but then the ZXI+ AT trim was going over our budget for a car this size. As opposed to my brother who pushed hard for buying the new WagonR automatic, I wanted a modern Autobox with all the fancy equipment and thus settling in for a mid-spec trim, irrespective of the car, wasn’t something I even considered. However, the final decision had to be my parents. I still remember the day when I discussed this with my parents and got a favourable response for Baleno. Being the car enthusiast, I am, my happiness knew no bounds. The Baleno was bigger in size and had more on offer so, choosing it over the Swift was a pragmatic choice.
It was on 5 October 2018, that my parents and I test drove the Baleno CVT and looked at other options such as the Honda Jazz, the latest facelift had just been launched then. After owning the first generation (facelifted)Jazz for about 8 years, the new one didn’t appeal to me much, though my parents were keen on getting the new model because of its biggest plus point, Space. After a lot of discussions and valuable feedback from relatives who owned a Baleno CVT, we decided and booked our Granite Grey Alpha CVT Baleno on 11 October 2018.
Today i.e.,2 November 2019, our Baleno Alpha CVT turns 1 and we are contented with our choice.
Delivery from Nexa Rohini on 2.11.2018
After driving it for almost an year, I have experienced the car’s response under a miscellany of road conditions.
DrivingExperience- Performance and Transmission
Having driven the car for almost 15K after 12 months, there haven’t been any issues with the performance. The CVT is an absolute delight to drive in the city, especially in Delhi. In conditions of bumper to bumper traffic, the comfort and convenience of the car tackle it really well. Gearshifts are never felt and are effortless. Moreover, the fuel economy figures are also impressive, 13-16km/l in the city and about 19-20 km/l on the highway. The 1.2 K12 Petrol engine does well on the highway too but the picture is not all flowery.
The photo was taken in July 2019
Lack of power is felt at large when trying to overtake on a highway, which is majorly because of the CVT’s “rubber band” effect. However, once you set in a comfortable speed the car is smooth and feels stable. Just be gentle on the throttle and you are all set to enjoy the drive. Features like the sports mode do make the driver crave long empty roads. But the sports mode is not the best in its class and does require some retuning, as the RPM blasts past the 4000 mark even with the slightest of accelerations. On the flip side, the Sports mode does make the engine more responsive and cuts a bit of the rubber band effect when on a long stretch. The maximum speed I’ve done on my Beast is 130km/h on the Eastern Peripheral highway and I was impressed with its stability, considering the less than a tonne kerb weight of the car. The Low or “L” mode comes in very handy on steep hilly roads and gives the car the required power to tackle the situation with ease. When driving with a full load on the hills, the 83 hp engine feels underpowered on some occasions and the strain on the engine is clearly felt. Overall, the car feels planted and the steering has an overall heft to it giving confidence to the person behind the wheel.
ANY ROAD, ANYWHERE: Style combined with comfort, and a pleasant ride is guaranteed
Space and Comfort
You get into the Baleno and you have acres and acres of space at your disposal. The cabin is well designed, and one doesn’t feel cramped at all. Front seats are large and offer generous thigh support. The driving position is excellent, and you get a good view of the road ahead. It’s only when you drive more frequently, the flaws come into play. Being a 6ft tall guy, I have to adjust the height of the seat because otherwise my hair brushes against the roof. However, for my dad who’s about 5’7, this doesn’t seem to be much of a problem. Moving to the rear seat, the space is enormous and even three abreast seat comfortably. Its only the flowing roof line which creates a problem for an average height adult as your head is in close proximity to the roof at the rear. The thigh support is fairly good but not the best in class, had the width of the rear seat been a little more, it would have been the most preferred one. Boot space is more than adequate and road trips & festivals are taken care of. However, the high loading lip makes it difficult to put in heavy luggage into the deep 339 Litres boot.
Technology and Features
One of the reasons to go for the Alpha model was for the plethora of features it had to offer. The 7-inch Touchscreen SmartPlay infotainment system, a big upgrade for me, personally, sits high in the centre of the V-shaped centre console, offering a wide array of features. You get the same interface as your iPhone/Android Device gets paired instantaneously with the car’s touchscreen with a USB cable. The ease of use and familiarity of the system, because it mirrors your phone, makes CarPlay and Android Auto instantly addictive. First in class features like UV Cut glasses and HID Projectors make it stand apart. The cat eye looking sharp projector headlamps with the well placed & exciting DRL’s, the chrome strip extending into the headlights are a few goodies out of many which turn heads till date, including mine. For an enthusiast like me, having features like the guide me to car or to home, auto dimming IRVM, keyless entry, push button start etc. portray the premium aspects of the car.
WELL LAID-OUT CABIN : Touchscreen is slick and has an easy to use interface.
Suspension and Ride Quality
Unlike the many 2015 models, which had complaints about the suspension, my car had no problems at all. Being driven under a variety of conditions ranging from rough roads to hilly sections of Dehradun and Mussoorie, the suspension and ride quality were never a cause of worry. The Baleno takes care of potholes well and you don’t feel bouncy inside. The suspension too works quietly with no loud thuds, which complements the excellent ride comfort.
Hits and Misses
Hits
The comfort and convenience of driving, the amount of space available and the best fuel economy figures amongst rivals have made it Maruti’s most desired and highest selling premium hatchback. Apart from these, the 7-inch Smartplay Infotainment System, the 4.2-inch TFT MID display in the centre, packed with a multitude of functions, beautifully integrated headlamps, illuminated glove box, footwell lights, auto headlamps are a few things from a very long list which make the owner fall in love with car and its tech.
Cat Eye looking HID projector headlamps are a boon in all driving conditions
Misses
The Baleno is built to a cost, which is evident in the quality of some of the materials inside the cabin. Cabin quality is where the Baleno lags behind its competitors like, the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz. The hard and scratchy plastics don’t justify the premium cost paid by the customer and carryovers from previous generous Maruti’s highlight areas of cost cutting. The biggest ergonomic quirk, that disappointed me and all those who drove my Baleno, was the odd positioning of the auto dimming IRVM, which hinders your view completely especially, while on a winding road or when taking a turn. Other than that, the absence of features like Cruise Control, Paddle Shifters, Rear A/C vents and Auto Wipers is also felt.
HAPPY OWNER:The Beast in the beautiful hills of Mussoorie
Final Verdict
Practicality is where the Baleno knocks it out of the park. The Baleno is a premium family hatchback which ticks all the right boxes ranging from design to comfort. However, it does come with quality standard issues associated with all Maruti’s, which are a letdown when paying such a hefty price. All said and done the Baleno CVT is comfortable to drive, economical, scores high on tech and with all that it has to offer, for me and my family it was worth the investment.
Know Your Car 