Hyundai i20 IVT vs Maruti Baleno AMT: Premium Automatic Hatchback Comparison (2024) | Family Car Guide

Key Considerations

Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT:

1. Spacious Interior: Class-leading wheelbase of 2580mm offers ample space for family comfort.

2. Premium Features: 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker sound system, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

3. Smooth Transmission: IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) offers a seamless driving experience.

4. Safety: Equipped with 6 airbags for comprehensive protection.

5. Modern Design: Contemporary styling gives it a premium appearance.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT:

1. Fuel Efficiency: Impressive ARAI-rated mileage of 22.94 kmpl for economical daily use.

2. Advanced Features: 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

3. Safety: Six airbags provide enhanced protection.

4. Comfort: Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and telescopic steering wheel.

5. Practicality: 318-liter boot space and 60:40 split rear seats offer good versatility.

6. Brand Value: Maruti Suzuki's reputation for reliability and wide service network.

7. Advanced Connectivity: Suzuki Connect offers remote functions and driving behavior analysis.

Let's look at how the numbers stack up:

1. Price:

- Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT: Rs 942,799

- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT: Rs 888,000

- Price difference: Rs 54,799 (Baleno is 5.8% cheaper)

2. Engine Performance:

- i20 Sportz IVT: 86.76bhp, 114.7Nm

- Baleno Zeta AMT: 88.50bhp, 113Nm

- The Baleno offers 2% more horsepower, while the i20 has 1.5% more torque

3. Fuel Efficiency:

- i20 Sportz IVT: 20 kmpl

- Baleno Zeta AMT: 22.94 kmpl

- The Baleno is 14.7% more fuel-efficient, which could result in significant savings over time.

4. Dimensions (in mm):

- Length: i20 3995 vs Baleno 3990

- Width: i20 1775 vs Baleno 1745

- Wheelbase: i20 2580 vs Baleno 2520

5. Boot Space:

- i20 Sportz IVT: 311 liters

- Baleno Zeta AMT: 318 liters

- The Baleno offers 2.3% more cargo capacity.

Exterior Design:

The Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT is modern and edgy, its parametric jewel pattern grille and sharp character lines lending it a bespoke European-inspired look. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT, while recently updated, offers a more conservative design that never goes out of style.

Interior and Comfort:

The i20’san interior is as sleek and well-organized as a high-end smartphone interface.

The Baleno's newly revamped interior, with its redesigned dashboard and enhanced materials, feels like a freshly updated operating system - familiar yet noticeably improved.

Both cars offer seating comfort akin to ergonomic office chairs, but the i20's extended wheelbase provides legroom that expands like a smartphone's storage capacity - perfect for accommodating growing kids..

Driving Experience:

Behind the wheel, the i20's IVT transmission is an ode to smooth driving.

The Baleno's AMT, while more cost-effective, might occasionally seem hesitant but mostly getts the job done.

Practicality:

The Baleno's slightly larger boot space might accommodate that extra suitcase, while its superior fuel efficiency could mean fewer stops at the pump. It's like having a magic suitcase that's always ready for one more item, and a fuel tank that seems to last forever.

Feature Comparison

1. Infotainment: The i20 offers a slightly larger 8-inch touchscreen compared to the Baleno's 7-inch display. Both support smartphone connectivity, ensuring you stay connected on the go.

2. Safety: Both vehicles come equipped with 6 airbags, ABS, and EBD as standard, ensuring your precious cargo is well-protected.

3. Comfort Features: Both provide automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and keyless entry. The i20 ups the ante with a leather-wrapped steering wheel - a touch of luxury for the driver.

4. Connectivity: The Baleno offers Suzuki Connect with remote functions - it's like having a virtual assistant for your car.

Recommendation

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT emerges takes the lead with its lower price point (5.8% cheaper) aligned well with budget-conscious families, while still offering a compelling balance of features, comfort, and practicality.

The Baleno's superior fuel efficiency (14.7% more efficient) could lead to substantial long-term savings.

However, if a smoother transmission and more modern design are priorities, and the budget allows, the Hyundai i20 Sportz IVT remains a strong contender, offering a more premium experience and potentially more comfortable ride for longer journeys.