Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Mahindra XUV300: 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Mahindra XUV300 – 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
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Mahindra XUV300 – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
While the XUV300 is a compact SUV, the Baleno is a premium hatchback. But are they the most affordable cars in their respective segments? Is XUV300 the best budget compact 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
For a budget-conscious buyer, the primary factors that drive the purchase decision include affordable pricing, cost-effective maintenance, high fuel efficiency, and essential safety features. They often prioritize functionality over luxury, aiming for reliability and long-term value. Fuel type and overall mileage become paramount to ensure low running costs.
While modern amenities are desired, a budget-conscious buyer will often be willing to compromise on advanced features if the foundational aspects of safety, fuel efficiency, and performance are met without stretching their financial limits.
Why Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Mahindra XUV300 are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Baleno, a premium hatchback, has gained immense popularity in the Indian market due to its blend of style, space, and fuel efficiency. Known for its affordable maintenance costs, the Baleno is often hailed for its refined engine options, especially the petrol variants that deliver impressive mileage figures.
Moreover, its variants cater to both the basic and mid-tier segments, allowing budget buyers to enjoy some advanced features without significantly stretching their budgets.
On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV300, while being a compact SUV, brings to the table a robust build quality and a feeling of sturdiness. It attracts budget-conscious buyers who are looking for the benefits of an SUV – space, higher ground clearance, and a commanding road presence – without a hefty price tag.
The base variants of XUV300, as mentioned in automotive journals, come equipped with essential safety features, ensuring that affordability doesn’t come at the cost of security.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Mahindra XUV300 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 |
| Zeta AMT | ₹893,000 |
For Mahindra XUV300, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| W4 | ₹842,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT
Priced at ₹800,000, the Delta AMT is the cheapest variant on our list, and offers essential features like ABS, 2 airbags, and an impressive city mileage of 19 kmpl with a petrol engine. Its AMT transmission offers convenience for city driving, and the inclusion of a 7-inch LCD touchscreen and power windows enhances the overall driving experience.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta
A slight step up in price at ₹838,000, the Zeta variant boasts 6 airbags, ensuring heightened safety. While it offers similar mileage to the Delta AMT, its alloy wheels and rear AC vents add a touch of comfort and style. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Toyota Glanza and Hyundai i20.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT
With an added advantage of AMT transmission, this variant, priced at ₹893,000, combines the features of the Zeta and the convenience of automatic transmission, making it a solid choice for city dwellers. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai i20.
Mahindra XUV300 W4
The W4 variant of XUV300, priced at ₹842,000, offers a petrol engine with a mileage of 16.82 kmpl. It ensures foundational safety with ABS and 2 airbags. While it doesn’t offer a touchscreen or audio system, it compensates with its robust SUV build and essential convenience features. If you’re a safety-conscious car buyer, you can read our comparison of the XUV300 with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Mahindra XUV300 for Budget-conscious buyers
Considering the price, essential features, and fuel efficiency, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT emerges as the best option for a budget-conscious buyer. Priced at a competitive ₹800,000, it fits your wallet and offers the essential conveniences of power windows, a decent audio system, and safety features like ABS and 2 airbags.
The petrol engine ensures good mileage, making it cost-effective in the long run. Its AMT transmission provides the ease of driving in congested city traffic, making it an optimal blend of price, features, and efficiency.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta
- Mahindra XUV300 W4
| Attributes | Baleno Delta AMT | Baleno Zeta | XUV300 W4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | 19 | 20 | 16.82 |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 22.94 | 22.35 | 16.82 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front & Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | None |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- For budget-conscious buyers, the Baleno Delta AMT stands out for its AMT transmission, ensuring convenience and decent mileage.
- The Baleno Zeta, although slightly pricier, provides enhanced safety with 6 airbags.
- Lastly, the XUV300 W4 offers the appeal of an SUV with necessary safety and convenience features.
All three choices will fit within your budget, and offer a blend of value, performance, and foundational comforts, making them ideal for the budget-conscious buyer.
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