If you’re an Indian car enthusiast, you must be aware of Maruti’s exceptionally economical model, the Baleno. Ever since its launch, it’s been one of India’s most loved premium hatchbacks. It’s known for its spacious cabin, reliable performance, and stylish design. Indian buyers consider the Baleno model to be both economical and high-performance.
With rising fuel prices and the growing demand for cost-effective options, Maruti Baleno’s petrol and CNG variants steal the limelight. The petrol version promises smooth performance and driving comfort. On the other hand, the CNG version attracts attention with its impressive mileage and lower running costs.
However, with different features, prices, and performance levels, many buyers may come up with the question that which Baleno variant they should choose— Petrol or CNG? To make things easier for an informed decision, let’s take a look at the detailed breakdown and comparison between the Maruti Baleno petrol and CNG variants.
Before we have a sneak peek into the Maruti Baleno variants, it’s better to get a quick overview of the model itself. Well, it’s a sporty hatchback suitable for buyers who crave premium features, comfort, style, and fuel efficiency in one sleek package. This hatchback is quite cosy and has a fashionable exterior, making it ideal for city drives and weekend trips. In 2025, the Baleno comes in six different variants, including four petrol and two CNG options.
Foremost, we’ll talk about the petrol variants. Mainly, there are four trims to choose from. While the base Baleno Sigma variant comes only with a manual transmission, the other three are available in both manual and automatic transmission modes. The list of petrol variants includes:
Sigma
Delta
Zeta
Alpha
Maruti offers two CNG variants for buyers seeking better mileage and lower running costs. Both of the following options are available only with a manual transmission. Apart from that, these versions also balance safety and comfort quite well, making the CNG version a worthwhile choice. The CNG variants are termed:
Delta
Zeta
If you’re wondering how much you’ll pay for petrol and CNG variants, let’s be clear: there’s no big difference. Still, we’ve given the ex-showroom and on-road price of all the Maruti Baleno variants:
Variant Name | Fuel Type | Ex-showroom Price | On-road Price |
Baleno Sigma (Manual) | Petrol | ₹6.70 Lakh | ₹7.54 Lakh |
Baleno Delta (Manual) | Petrol | ₹7.54 Lakh | ₹8.47 Lakh |
Baleno Delta (AMT) | Petrol | ₹8.04 Lakh | ₹9.02 Lakh |
Baleno Zeta (Manual) | Petrol | ₹8.47 Lakh | ₹9.50 Lakh |
Baleno Zeta (AMT) | Petrol | ₹8.97 Lakh | ₹10.05 Lakh |
Baleno Alpha (Manual) | Petrol | ₹9.42 Lakh | ₹10.97 Lakh |
Baleno Alpha (AMT) | Petrol | ₹9.92 Lakh | ₹11.10 Lakh |
Delta (Manual) | CNG | ₹8.44 Lakh | ₹9.54 Lakh |
Zeta (Manual) | CNG | ₹9.37 Lakh | ₹10.58 Lakh |
A vehicle’s performance is another important aspect when considering purchasing one. To help you understand things better, we’ve stated how the petrol and CNG Baleno variants differ in power, comfort, and mileage.
Feature | Petrol Variants | CNG Variants |
Engine Power | ~90 PS @ 6000 rpm | ~77.5 PS @ 6000 rpm |
Acceleration | Quicker pickup, better highway overtakes | Slightly slower, best for city drives |
Torque | 113 Nm @ 4400 rpm | 98.5 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
Transmission | Manual and AMT options | Only Manual Option |
Driving Feel | Smooth, responsive, versatile for all roads | Balanced but less punchy than petrol |
Mileage (ARAI) | ~22–23 km/l | ~30.6 km/kg |
Boot Space | Full 318 litres available | Reduced due to the CNG cylinder |
Refueling | Easily available, quick | Limited pumps, and take a slightly longer time |
Highway Performance | Strong cruising ability, stable at high speed | Adequate, but lacks petrol’s punch |
Well, apart from performance and price, safety also remains a top concern for car buyers. Let’s see which Baleno variant offers the best protection and the essential safety features:
Safety Aspect | Petrol Variants (All Trims) | CNG Variants |
Airbags | Dual front airbags standard 6 airbags in Zeta and Alpha | Dual front airbags only |
ABS with EBD | Standard across all petrol variants | Standard |
ESP and Hill Hold | Available in AMT variants | Not available (only manual transmission) |
ISOFIX Child Seat | Standard on all variants | Standard |
Rearview Camera | Available from Zeta onwards | Available in Zeta CNG |
Rear Parking Sensors | Standard | Standard |
360-Degree Camera | Exclusive to Alpha Petrol | Not Available |
Crash Test Rating | Baleno scored 3-star Global NCAP (2022) | Same as the petrol variants |
Buil Quality | Same across all variants | Same as petrol but with less boot space due to the CNG kit |
Well, that’s the most important question! Here we come with a slight diplomatic but practical answer. While choosing between petrol and CNG variants completely depends on your driving habits, preferences, and budgets, you can take help from the following factors. These might help you with an informed decision:
For Daily City Commuting: The Delta CNG should be your choice as it offers excellent mileage while keeping its fuel expenses relatively low.
For Balanced Features and Performance: Zeta Petrol (manual or AMT) offers a good blend of comfort, modern features, and decent mileage.
For Maximum Safety and Premium Feel: The Alpha Petrol would just be the right pick as it has 6 airbags, a 360° camera, and many other advanced features.
If You Prefer Automatic Driving: Pick Zeta Petrol AMT or Alpha Petrol AMT, as you don’t have the option to choose a CNG variant.
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Ans. Yes, they offer lower power when compared to the petrol variants.
Ans. No, CNG variants are available only with the manual transmission option.
Ans. Fuel economy in petrol variants goes around 22 km/l, whereas it becomes 30 km/kg in the CNG versions.