Made-in-India Baleno goes on sale in Japan

Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) has officially launched the Baleno hatchback in Japan today.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held in Tokyo today, H.E. Sujan R Chinoy, Ambassador of India to Japan, said, “Maruti Suzuki exports to over 125 countries including those in Europe, which is proof of their quality. The Baleno is a state-of-the-art car developed and manufactured in India through Suzuki’s excellence. It will be exported to 100 global markets including Japan. I am confident that the Baleno will prove to be a huge success in Japan. I wish the launch complete success.”

Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “A landmark moment like this is a true testimony to the success of Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. The launch of the made-in-India Baleno in Japan is a proud moment for all of us. This reaffirms Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing potential and growing importance of Maruti Suzuki India in Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global business strategies. I am confident our Baleno would be well accepted by Japanese customers as well.”

The made-in-India Baleno, which was shipped to Japan last month, will be offered in two variants — 1.0 Boosterjet direct-injection turbo engine (XT) and 1.2 Dual-jet naturally-aspirated engine (XG). While the 1.2-litre variant is on sale now, the 1.0-litre variant will be available from May 13.

SMC claims the Japanese-spec Baleno delivers fuel efficiency of 20 kilometres per litre (kpl) for the 1.0 Boosterjet variant and 24.6kpl for the 1.2 Dualjet variant. In comparison, Maruti Suzuki India claims the Indian-spec, 1.2-litre VVT petrol Baleno delivers 21.4kpl.  

Among the additional features available on the Japanese-spec model are Radar Brake Support (RBS) and Adaptive Cruise Control, similar to the left-hand-drive Balenos exported to Europe last month.

Autocar Professional had exclusively reported last month that the first export consignment of 1,760 made-in-India Balenos had reached Japan. The right-hand-drive, automatic (CVT-equipped) hatchbacks, which were despatched from Mundra Port in Gujarat, were unloaded at the Toyohashi Port on February 15. 

This marks the first time that a domestic carmaker has exported an India-made car to the Japanese market. Maruti also plans on exporting the Baleno to over 100 markets worldwide. Initial volumes of 5,000-6,000 units a month are on the radar as exports to Japan and Europe. 

Launched on October 26, 2015 in India, the Baleno has been a big hit in the Indian market and has managed to capture a significant share in the premium hatchback segment. Till January 2016, the carmaker had sold over 38,000 Balenos in the Indian market till date and is said to have over 100,000 bookings in the bag.

While the India-spec car is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet version (Baleno RS), showcased at the Auto Expo 2016, is set to be launched in India later this year.

Also read: After Japan, made-in-India Balenos to reach Europe soon