Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno: A Comparison of Their Variants Under Rs 9 Lakh for Budget-conscious Car Buyers
What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Baleno – to see if they offer affordable car options for budget-conscious buyers.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
While the Exter is a micro-SUV, the Baleno is a premium hatchback. But are they the most affordable cars in their respective segments? Is Exter the best budget micro SUV, or Baleno the best budget premium hatchback? Let’s find out.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
Budget-conscious buyers prioritize affordability without compromising on essential features. Safety, fuel efficiency, and vital convenience features top the list of their preferences. They desire maximum value for money, ensuring that the chosen variant doesn’t burden them with hefty maintenance or fuel costs.
Why Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Baleno are Popular
Both Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Baleno have carved a niche in the automobile market as value-for-money vehicles. Their popularity stems from their brand reputation, promising fuel efficiency, and impressive feature-packed variants at competitive price points.
These models are lauded for their reliability and comprehensive safety measures, making them ideal choices for those on a tight budget but unwilling to compromise on essential features.
Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Baleno Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-9 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Delta AMT | ₹800,000 |
| Zeta | ₹838,000 |
For Hyundai Exter, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| SX | ₹800,000 |
| SX Opt | ₹864,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT
At ₹800,000, this variant is a steal. It offers ABS, two airbags, decent fuel efficiency, and even an LCD audio system. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking vital features without breaking the bank. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta
Slightly pricier at ₹838,000, but offers enhanced safety with six airbags. While the mileage is slightly less, it’s a small trade-off for the added safety. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai i20.
Hyundai Exter SX
Priced similarly to the Baleno Delta AMT, this variant offers six airbags, ensuring enhanced safety. The fuel efficiency is comparable, making it a robust competitor. We have also compared the Exter with Tata Punch for budget-conscious car buyers.
Hyundai Exter SX Opt
For those willing to stretch their budget a tad more, this ₹864,000 variant adds more convenience features, maintaining the same fuel efficiency and safety attributes.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Baleno for Budget-conscious buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT stands out as the most budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features. At ₹800,000, it provides ABS, two airbags, good fuel efficiency, power windows, and an LCD audio system with four speakers. It embodies the essence of what budget-conscious buyers seek – essential features at a competitive price.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT
- Hyundai Exter SX
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta
| Attributes | Baleno Delta AMT | Exter SX | Baleno Zeta |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | 19 | 19.4 | 20 |
| Power Windows – Front & Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT: The cheapest variant on our list, it offers the best value for its price.
- Hyundai Exter SX: Provides enhanced safety with six airbags at a similar price point as the Baleno Delta AMT.
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta: For those willing to invest slightly more, it offers superior safety features.
For budget-conscious buyers, these three choices epitomize value for money. They cater to both essential safety features and convenience, ensuring an optimal driving experience without a hefty price tag or the need to break the bank. They are options that will easily fit within your budget.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered