Hyundai Aura vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Comparing Their Variants Under Rs 9 Lakh for Safety-conscious Car Buyers

For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the Hyundai Aura and Maruti Suzuki Baleno in terms of their safety aspects.

In this article, we will share

• What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• Hyundai Aura vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
• How to pick the right car for you

How have these cars fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car

Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
• Space – Does the car have enough interior space?

For the safety-conscious buyer, key priorities include features that reduce accident risks and provide utmost protection during mishaps. 

Essential attributes in the best cars with safety features are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a substantial number of airbags, crash warning systems, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a commendable Global NCAP (GNCAP) rating, which determines the car’s crashworthiness. 

Driver-assistance features like rear parking sensors and high-speed stability are also of prime importance, ensuring a secure and responsive drive.

Why Hyundai Aura and Maruti Suzuki Baleno are Popular

Hyundai Aura and Maruti Suzuki Baleno have garnered attention for their commitment to safety. Hyundai Aura impresses with its ABS, crash warning system, and a commendable six airbags in the SX Option variant, promising comprehensive safety. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno, while not showcasing a notable GNCAP rating, offers ABS, ESC (in specific variants), and up to six airbags, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing safety. 

Their blend of essential and advanced safety attributes, paired with competitive pricing, makes them compelling choices in the Indian automotive market.

Hyundai Aura and Maruti Suzuki Baleno Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-9 Lakh Range

For Hyundai Aura, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 9 October 2023
SX Option	₹861,000
SX Plus AMT	₹875,000

For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 9 October 2023
Delta AMT	₹800,000
Zeta	₹838,000
Zeta AMT	₹893,000

Hyundai Aura SX Option

Hyundai Aura SX Option, priced at ₹861,000, offers ABS, six airbags, crash warning, day/night IRVM, and rear parking sensors. Its 2-star GNCAP rating might be a minor drawback, but the variant overall presents a robust safety profile. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our guide to the best Aura variants for you.

Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT

Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT, available at ₹875,000, showcases features similar to the SX Option but provides four airbags, maintaining a dependable safety package. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Aura with Honda Amaze.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT, at ₹800,000, includes ABS, two airbags, crash warning, and rear parking sensors. Its lack of a GNCAP rating and fewer airbags make it slightly less appealing compared to others.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta, priced at ₹838,000, boasts ABS, six airbags, and LED headlights, further enhancing visibility. Despite its zero GNCAP rating, its safety attributes remain notable. If you’re a first-time car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Tata Altroz.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT, available for ₹893,000, mirrors the Baleno Zeta’s features but additionally offers ESC and a rear parking camera, bolstering its safety proposition.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Aura and Maruti Suzuki Baleno for Safety-conscious buyers

The Hyundai Aura SX Option emerges as the top pick. With ABS, a commendable six airbags, crash warning system, day/night IRVM, rear parking sensors, and high-speed stability, it provides a comprehensive safety net for drivers. Even though it has a 2-star GNCAP rating, its broad array of safety attributes give it an edge over the rest.

The Top 3 choices

1. Hyundai Aura SX Option
2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT
3. Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT

Attribute	Hyundai Aura SX Option	Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT	Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	6	6	4
Crash warning	Yes	Yes	Yes
Day/night IRVM	Yes	Yes	Yes
ESC	No	Yes	No
Fog lights	No	Yes	No
GNCAP Rating	2	0	2
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Hyundai Aura SX Option stands out with six airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety.
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT, despite lacking a GNCAP rating, offers six airbags and ESC, strengthening its safety profile. 
• The Hyundai Aura SX Plus AMT holds its ground with four airbags and essential safety features. 

In essence, while each variant has distinctive strengths, these three emerge as the most attractive for safety-conscious buyers.

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