Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta: Variants Compared

Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta: Introduction

Maruti Baleno has been leading the premium hatchback segment for quite a long time now, despite the growing heats generated from the newer competitors. The success formula for the Baleno comprises of clean design, well-loaded cabin, refined engines, high fuel efficiency, affordable price and many more.

Maruti Baleno is available with a range of variants and for some people, deciding on which variant is best to buy is not so easy. IndianAuto now compares the Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta variant to check which one suits you better before making a deal.

Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta Dimensions: Might be one variant bigger than the other?

Normally, there will be no major difference in terms of sizes between the variants of a model. The Maruti Baleno gets no exception. The Baleno is a compact hatchback that slots in the sub-four-metre vehicle category. With the length of 3995 mm, the width of 1745 mm, the height of 1510 mm, the Maruti Baleno is big enough to get a good street presence and accommodate five people inside the cabin comfortably.

Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta Design: What are the differences?

Exterior Comparison

It does take an experienced eye to distinguish the Baleno Alpha vs Zeta sans the badge or lettering placed at the back of the models. That said, apart from the badge indicating which model it is, the Baleno Alpha bears no major visual difference with its lower-spec trim, Zeta. Still, there are some minor distinctions between the trims.

While the Zeta trim gets LED projector headlamps with light guide, the Alpha trim is offered with LED projector units with DRL. The LED rear combination lamps of the Alpha trim are more premium than that of the Zeta models. Also, being a higher-spec model, the Baleno Alpha gets UV-cut glass which is given a miss on the lower-spec Zeta variants.

Overall, the Maruti Baleno is a good-looking hatchback. It gets an aggressive front face which features a stylish front grille with 3D graphic design, sharp headlamps and big central air dam. The 16-inch alloy wheels look snazzy in both the variants while rear tail lamps and bumper come with the same visual effect.

Interior Comparison

The interior design of the Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta is almost the same. Both variants carry forward the sophisticated dashboard layout on the inside, giving out the same sense of premium and upmarket. The colour materials and overall look are similar in both two trims which are all loaded to the gills with premium features since they are the range-topping variants of the range.

The difference between the Baleno Alpha and Zeta is limited to the leather-wrapped steering wheel only. This feature is available on the top-spec Alpha variants while the Zeta trims skip it.

Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta Features: Which Is Safer and More Convenient?

Comfort Features Comparison

The Maruti Baleno Zeta stays on par with the Alpha variants when it comes to convenience and comfort. From the entertainment to the comfort goodies, there are no features that the Alpha trim, albeit sitting higher in the lineup, offers over the Zeta sibling.

SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple Carplay, navigation, smartphone connectivity, voice command, remote control are available on both two trim lines. Besides, the Maruti Baleno Alpha and Zeta share the coloured TFT with multi-information display, steering-mounted audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering, engine start/stop with smart key, front and rear adjustable headrest, front and power windows, auto AC, height-adjustable driver seat, front and rear accessory socket and more.

Safety Features Comparison

On the safety front, there are a couple of safety features on the Baleno Alpha that are unavailable on the lower-spec Zeta models, namely the auto headlamps and reverse parking camera. Apart from that, the safety packages of both variants are the same.

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The Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta are all featured with dual airbags, ABS, EBD, front disc brake, driver & co-driver seatbelt reminder, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, high-speed alert and engine immobilizer as the safety essentials.

Besides, front fog lamps, dual horn, manual headlamp levelling, pinch guard power window for the driver, auto-dimming IRVM, rear wiper and washer and rear defogger are the additional safety kits on both Baleno Alpha and Zeta variants.

Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta Engine: Which Variant Is More Powerful?

Keeping the Smart Hybrid variants aside, the Baleno Alpha vs Zeta shares the same 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine option under the bonnet. This engine is tuned to make 83 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 114 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm for the models. Transmission choices for the two trims comprise of a 5-speed MT and a CVT unit.

The Baleno also packs a 1.3-litre DDiS 190 diesel engine option in its heart. This diesel motor is capable of producing 74 PS of power at 4,000 and 190 Nm of peak torque at 2,000 rpm. However, this mill is not upgraded to the new stringent BS6 emission norms.

It’s worth noting that the Baleno Zeta has with a 1.2-litre Dual Jet K12C petrol engine option with Smart Hybrid tech on tap while the Baleno Alpha doesn’t. This powertrain can make a combined power of 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. With the support of the Smart Hybrid, the Baleno Zeta claims a fuel efficiency level of 23.87 kmpl which makes it more frugal than the Alpha brother. The latter claims a fuel mileage figure of 21.01 kmpl.

Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta Price: Which Is Cheaper?

You know it. The Baleno Zeta is certainly cheaper than the range-topping Baleno Alpha by some margins. We compare the prices of the Baleno Alpha vs Zeta in the table below:

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Maruti Baleno Alpha vs Zeta Verdict: Which Variant Is Worth Buying?

Since it’s launched, the Maruti Baleno has been a resounding success for the company in the hatchback segment. However, it would take time and effort to consider which variant is better to buy among the variants. If you have read through our comparison, you would notice that the Baleno Alpha gets a few features in addition to a reverse parking camera over the Baleno Zeta while commanding an extra amount of around Rs 60,000 over the Zeta trim.

That said, the premium is not justified properly by the extra equipment. Moreover, the Zeta even has an edge over the Alpha counterpart by the presence of the Smart Hybrid. If you concern much on these features additions and don’t mind paying extra money, the Alpha is for you. If not, we strongly recommend buyers to eye the Zeta trim to start a deal. It would offer you almost the same premium experience and help you save a considerable amount as compared to the Alpha models.