Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Renault Kiger: A Comparison of Their Base Variants Under Rs 7 Lakh for Performance Enthusiasts

What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Renault Kiger, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Renault Kiger – a comprehensive analysis of their base variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

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

What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

A performance enthusiast seeks a blend of spirited performance, agility, and responsive handling in a car. They appreciate a powerful engine, quick acceleration, high-speed stability, and a precise steering feel in fast cars. 

The aesthetics, both interior and exterior, are expected to match the sporty demeanor, while an array of advanced driving assist features, performance-oriented gadgets, and safety features like traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) add to the allure.

The connection between the driver and the machine is vital, with an intuitive, responsive drive being the cornerstone of the allure for a performance enthusiast.

Why Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Renault Kiger are Popular

Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Renault Kiger have carved a niche among performance enthusiasts due to their distinctive offerings. 

Baleno, known for its agile performance, light steering, and linear power delivery, provides a balanced blend of handling and speed. Its stability at high speeds and modest acceleration cater to those who enjoy a spirited drive. 

On the other hand, Renault Kiger, with its quick engine responsiveness and higher ground clearance, offers a more robust ride quality alongside competitive performance attributes. Kiger’s stability and the agility it maintains even on rough terrains make it a compelling choice. 

Additionally, both models offer an array of driver assistance and performance-oriented features, enhancing the driving experience. Their popularity is further buoyed by the reputable brands behind them, known for delivering reliable and performance-centric vehicles. 

The attractive exterior designs, coupled with practical interior layouts, are the cherries on top that resonate well with the aesthetics a performance enthusiast craves.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Renault Kiger Base Variants in Rs 6-7 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 26 September 2023
Sigma	₹661,000

For Renault Kiger, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 26 September 2023
RXE	₹649,990

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma variant is priced at ₹661,000, offering a compelling package with its 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 88.5 BHP and 113 Nm of torque. The 0-60 km/h acceleration is agile, while the power delivery remains linear, providing a predictable yet spirited driving experience. 

High-speed stability and a light clutch further enhance its appeal for a performance enthusiast. However, it falls short on some advanced driver assistance features like cruise control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai i20.

Renault Kiger RXE

The Renault Kiger RXE variant, priced at ₹649,990, sports a 3-cylinder petrol engine with 71 BHP and 96 Nm of torque. Its engine responsiveness is quick, making the drive lively and engaging. Additionally, the high ground clearance allows for a robust ride quality even on challenging terrains. 

However, the engine’s lower power output compared to Baleno may be a trade-off for some performance purists. Notably, it comes with safety features like ESC, enhancing its desirability for performance enthusiasts. We have also compared the Kiger with Maruti Suzuki Fronx for performance enthusiasts.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Renault Kiger for Performance Enthusiasts

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma edges ahead for a performance enthusiast. Its superior engine output, swift acceleration, and high-speed stability are attributes that align well with the adrenaline-seeking demeanor of a performance enthusiast. 

The linear power delivery ensures a more predictable driving experience, which, when coupled with its agile handling, makes for an exhilarating drive. 

Although it lacks some advanced driver assistance features, the core performance metrics, the essence of driving pleasure, are well catered to in this variant. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz.

The Base Variants Ranked

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma
2. Renault Kiger RXE

Attributes	Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma	Renault Kiger RXE
# of cylinders	4	3
Acceleration (0-60 km/h)	Agile	Agile
Engine – power (BHP)	88.5	71
High-Speed Stability	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes
Top Speed (km/h)	180	NA

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma leads due to its superior engine output and high-speed stability. However, a performance enthusiast might also consider investing in aftermarket performance upgrades for the Baleno Sigma, enhancing its acceleration, engine power, and high-speed stability, thus making it an even more attractive proposition. 
• The Renault Kiger RXE stands as a viable alternative with its quick engine responsiveness and additional safety feature of ESC. 

The variety among these choices provides a spectrum of driving experiences, catering to different nuances of what a performance enthusiast seeks.

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