Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20: Which One To Buy?

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 are two of the most popular premium hatchbacks sold in India. This popularity extends to the used car segment as both hatchbacks have their unique set of strengths. This often creates a dilemma when choosing between the two, and we aim to help you decide which premium hatchback best suits your needs. 

The Baleno hatchback was launched in 2015 and since then has seen one generational update in 2022. Meanwhile, the Hyundai i20 was first launched in 2008 and since then, has seen two generational updates. Both hatchbacks were available with petrol, turbo petrol, and diesel engine options, along with multiple gearbox choices. Currently, both hatchbacks are available only with a petrol engine, while the Baleno also offers a company-fitted CNG kit.

Current Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20

Both the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20 enjoy a high resale value owing to their reliability, spacious and feature packed interiors and premium driving experience. However, it is the Baleno that holds its value better than the i20.

Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno: 

The Baleno holds its value well thanks to its frugal engines and low maintenance costs. It also offers a premium driving experience along with a spacious cabin and feature packed interior. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno image

Used Hyundai i20:

The i20 enjoys a good resale value thanks to its fit and finish levels and high quality cabin. However, compared to the Baleno, its engines (especially the petrol engines) are less fuel efficient which can deterbuyers. Also, a used Hyundai i20 attracts a higher maintenance cost compared to the Baleno which again is a factor affecting its resale value. 

Note: The used car prices shown are calculated for vehicles MY 2014 and above and with mileage under ₹ 1 lakh kilometres. 

Both hatchbacks have good resale value. However, it is the Baleno that holds its value better thanks to its low maintenance and running costs. Also, the brand name has become synonymous with reliability, which helps a second hand Maruti Baleno have a higher resale value. That said, over the years, Hyundai cars have gained a reputation for reliability as well

Yearly Rate of Depreciation: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20

Both the Baleno and i20 exhibit a low rate of depreciation. Here’s a look at the Year On Year depreciation of both hatchbacks over the last five years. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno: While the Baleno holds its value well, compared to the i20, the hatchback has a higher rate of depreciation. A one year old Maruti Suzuki Baleno retains about 73 percent of its value while a five year old hatchback retains 55 percent of its value. 

Hyundai i20: All versions of the i20 hold their value well. Like most hatchbacks, the i20 loses most of its value in the first year. A one year old Hyundai i20 retains about 74 percent of its original value while a five year old car retains 56 percent of its value. 

The Hyundai i20 comes across as a more premium offering than the Baleno hence holds its value well. While the Baleno is more reliable and cheaper to run and maintain, the i20 impresses with its quality, premium feel and comfort. 

Engine and Transmission Options: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai i20

Maruti Suzuki offered the Baleno with petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engine options but the latter two were discontinued in favour of a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and CNG motors. The Hyundai i20 however continues to be offered with a turbo petrol and diesel engine besides a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor. Interestingly, given its premium positioning, Hyundai never offered the i20 with a CNG engine. 

Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno Powertrain Options (2020 onwards)

• 1.2-litre petrol - 5-speed manual / 5-speed AMT
• 1.2-litre CNG - 5-speed manual

Used Hyundai i20 Powertrain Options (2020 onwards)

• 1.2-litre petrol - 5-speed manual / CVT automatic
• 1.0-litre, turbo petrol - 6-speed manual / 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT
• 1.5-litre, diesel - 6-speed manual 

Post 2020, a second hand i20 offers a more diverse range of engines with multiple gearbox options. Both hatchbacks have reliable powertrains. However, when it comes to fuel efficiency and low maintenance, it is the Baleno that comes on top with its frugal 1.2-litre petrol motor.

Maintenance Cost Comparison: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Vs Hyundai i20

Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno: 

Used Maruti Suzuki cars are known for their reliability and low running costs and this applies to the Baleno as well. The hatchback is relatively low on maintenance and if anything should go wrong, part prices are quite affordable. A scheduled service will cost you between ₹ 1,426 and ₹ 3,713. 

Used Hyundai i20: 

The i20 is a reliable hatchback with solid build quality and a premium interior that ages well. However, the hatchback attracts a higher maintenance cost compared to the Baleno. Scheduled service costs range from ₹ 1,638 and ₹ 6,519 for the petrol variant and  ₹ 2,507 to ₹ 8,247 for the diesel one.

When it comes to maintenance, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more affordable to service and has cheaper spare parts as well. Maruti Suzuki also has the largest service network in India though Hyundai has a sizeable network as well. 

Conclusion

While both hatchbacks offer a low rate of depreciation, the used Maruti Suzuki Baleno enjoys a higher resale value. For its premium positioning, the Baleno has an impressively low maintenance cost. The i20 in comparison, is heavier on the wallet to run and maintain. While both hatchbacks offer a premium feel, the i20 boasts superior build quality and a more refined cabin. It also offers multiple engine and transmission options including a diesel. However the Baleno comes with a frugal petrol engine and is the only car here to offer a CNG powertrain as well.

Both hatchbacks come with standard 3 years/1 lakh kilometers warranty from the manufacturer. Used cars bought from CARS24 come with a standard three-month warranty, which can be extended to one year for a nominal fee. To conclude, the Maruti Suzuki has a higher brand recall value in terms of reliability and low running costs while the used Hyundai i20 impresses with its build quality, premium cabin and diverse engine options. 

In a nutshell, while the i20 offers a more premium experience, it is slightly more expensive to maintain. The Baleno is a premium hatchback with lower running costs which equates to more savings. This USP makes a used Maruti Suzuki Baleno the more logical choice of the two.