In this edition of the comparison section, we have chosen two of the most popular premium hatchback in their respective rights. One is the segment leader and an all-rounder who does everything adequately and the other is the most fun to drive product in the segment by a huge margin. Yes, we are talking about Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Volkswagen Polo. During the course of this article, we shall try to compare these two on the basis of engines, prices, safety, features, specs and more. So without any further ado, let us get into this comparison.
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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Volkswagen Polo – Exteriors and Dimensions
Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a modern-looking premium hatchback which is one of the reasons for its popularity. The front houses the LED Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs, 3D Graphic Design front grille with some chrome inserts, Fog Lamps on the bumpers which look sporty and a broad overall appearance. The sides are accentuated by the 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, Blacked-out A, B and C-Pillars and chrome line under the window line. The rear houses the LED taillamp unit which makes the overall appearance rather appealing along with the roof-mounted spoiler and a thick chrome bar connecting the tail lamps. The thick chrome slab at the rear along with other places gives it a blingy feel which a lot of customers love these days.
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VW Polo has been around in our market since ages without a thorough upgrade. This means that the exteriors of the Polo are expectedly VW. The front-end of the Polo features the Full-LED Headlamps with DRLs, Sporty Front Honeycomb Grille Pattern, GTI-Inspired Front Bumper with Honeycomb Pattern, 16-inch Grey Alloy Wheels, Characteristic and Sharp Crease on the Side Panels, Traditional Taillamp Unit, Chrome Insert at the rear including on the lower part of the rear bumper. All in all, the Polo looks typically Volkswagen which might be too understated for some customers.
| Parameter | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | VW Polo |
| Length (mm) | 3995 | 3971 |
| Width (mm) | 1745 | 1682 |
| Height (mm) | 1510 | 1469 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2520 | 2470 |
| Boot Space | 339 L | 280 L |
Being a decade-old hatchback Volkswagen Polo is considerably smaller than the Baleno in terms of overall dimensions. Baleno is longer and wider than the Polo and also has a longer wheelbase. The boot compartment of the Baleno is significantly larger than the Polo.
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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Volkswagen Polo – Interiors, Features & Safety
Baleno has a decent cabin and modern features currently. This includes a full Digital Instrument Cluster, a Digital Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Steering-mounted controls, Voice Commands, Navigation System, Automatic Climate Control. The Digital Display gives out valuable information like fuel consumption, distance-to-empty, trip information, gear change indicator and much more. Safety features include ABS with EBD, Dual front airbags, a Rear-view camera with sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts. However, it does miss out on features like Hill-start Assist, Traction Control and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
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Volkswagen Polo is clearly an old car which is unfortunately clear from its interior. The cabin styling is outdated. However, VW has managed to incorporate some modern features like Digital Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Steering mounted controls, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control. Safety features include ABS, Dual airbags, vehicle stability control system, ISOFIX child seat mounts but it does miss out on 360-degree camera, Hill-start Assist and traction control. So, although it is not a brand new car, Volkswagen has kept its Polo up-to-date. But still, it misses out on some of the latest features like Wireless Charging, Digital Instrument Cluster, Rear AC vents, Rear armrest with cup holders and phone holder.
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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Volkswagen Polo – Powertrains and Prices
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is powered by a 1.2L VVT Petrol engine churning out a healthy 82 bhp and 113 Nm with the option of a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic. It also has a slightly powerful 1.2L Dualjet Dual VVT Petrol Hybrid making 88 bhp and identical torque mated to a 5-speed manual. There are no diesel powertrains in the Maruti Suzuki’s lineup at the moment. The prices of the Baleno range between Rs 5.98 lakh and Rs 9.30 lakh, ex-showroom.
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The Polo comes with two petrol engine options including a 1.0-litre MPI naturally aspirated unit making 75 hp and 95 Nm of peak power and torque respectively. The other more powerful engine is the 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine making 110 PS and 175 Nm of peak power and torque respectively. Transmission duties are carried by either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The prices of the VW Polo start at Rs 6.16 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
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Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Volkswagen Polo – Verdict
Both these premium hatchbacks are extremely capable in their own rights. While Baleno is a vehicle that does most of the things well including modern features, affordable prices, great fuel economy and low maintenance costs. The cost of ownership and repair is also very low. However, if you are a driving enthusiast and want a car that can handle well around the corners, VW Polo is one of the best cars around to do that. So, both these premium hatchbacks have distinct characters and appeals according to the requirements of the customers.
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