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Maruti Baleno Altura Review

After the huge success of Maruti 800 and Maruti Esteem, Maruti Udyog came up with Maruti Baleno Altura. It is the eighth model in Maruti's range. The Baleno Altura combines total wheel control with performance. The new model was launched in 2003 end and now Maruti has stopped its production.

It’s available in Cool silver, Coral Beige, Atlantic Blue, Pearl Silver, Rivera Red, Milky White, and Exotic Green. Apart from being a wagon car, it does not ignite any other interest.

With an engine displacement of 1590 cc, it offers high speed of 185. It delivers a horsepower of 94 Bhp at 6000 rpm. It also offers multipoint fuel injection. While driving on highways, it offers a mileage of 8-10 km while driving on city it offers 14-15 kms. It is also equipped with hydraulic power assistance steering. In case of an emergency, it is equipped with antilock brake system. It’s speed sensitive Power Steering makes the steering action light and responsive.

When it comes to comfort, it has power steering, automatic windows, central door locking. It also has an inbuilt 4-speaker studio with AM/FM facility. The instrumental panel consists of a Tachometer, Headlight off reminder and Trip meter. It also has enhanced security features like key not removed buzzer.

When it comes to exteriors, the Altura offers Shade band on windshield and front grille. A green tinted glass provides sun protection and also makes it look cool.It also has 13 inch full wheel cover and mud-flaps in the front and rear side. One of the best features is the body colored bumpers and Halogen headlamps.

The interiors are up to the mark and acceptable. It includes a trunk room light and a Sun visor. It is furnished with Velour carpet for luggage compartment. It has front door pockets and armrests. The seats are comfortable and are made up of authentic leather. It also has a cigarette lighter, ashtray and cup holder.An excellent air conditioning system is one of the main delights. It is also very spacious and has more legroom than other cars.

Maruti Altura has safety features like High mounted stop lamp and front and rear seat belts. It also provides childproof rear locks, so that your child is assured safety.

With a steering lock and side impact beams, it delivers satisfaction in terms of safety. It also has a fog lamp in case it encounters a rough weather condition.Due to its bandwagon design, it occupies lot of parking space. It falls short when compared to other wagon cars like Indigo marina or Fiat Adventure. The spoiler is a necessary accessory for wagon cars, is missing. It also makes quite a few noises and also does not have the smoothest handling.

Overall, It has lot of flaws. And I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone since it operates on an outdated technology. It performs well initially, but gradually the efficiency reduces. If you are planning to buy a wagon car, think some other options. Maruti Altura is just not right for the Indian conditions; you can surely give it a miss.