Maruti Baleno
Maruti BalenoPR handout

After Japan, and European countries such as Germany, Italy, Belgium, Poland and Spain, Baleno, the premium hatchback from the house of Suzuki, is set to enter new markets like Nepal and New Zealand this year. Baleno, which made its India entry in October, will be exported to more than 100 countries from India.

IndianAutosBlog reports that the made-in-India Baleno will be launched by April-end in Nepal, while the New Zealand entry is scheduled for later. The hatchback will also be exported to France, Denmark and the Netherlands. In addition to Europe, it will be introduced in Latin American countries, such as Chile, Paraguay and Colombia.

India is the manufacturing hub of Baleno and has exported 3,400 units of the hatchback in February. Over 38,000 units have been sold in the domestic market. Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine that is tuned to develop 83bhp and 115Nm of torque, and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill churning out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both the engines are teamed with a five-speed manual transmission. The petrol engine is also available with a CVT automatic gearbox.

In India, Baleno is sold through Maruti's premium Nexa dealerships. The export-specific model of the Baleno features 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, which develops 110bhp and 170Nm of torque, and a 1.2-litre Dualjet engine.