How to Increase Mileage of Baleno?

Whether you're driving the petrol or the CNG variant of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, chances are you’ve bought this hatchback for its sleek design, comfort, and of course, its reputation for offering good mileage. However, Baleno mileage figures can dip well below those ARAI claims if you’re not careful.

The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice driving experience to get better fuel efficiency out of your car. Just a few minor tweaks to your driving habits can go a long way in helping your Baleno deliver better mileage figures. In this blog, we’ll break down the official mileage numbers, how they hold up in the real world, and practical, Baleno-specific tips to improve fuel economy.

ARAI-Certified Baleno Mileage (Petrol & CNG)

Here’s a quick look at the official mileage figures of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno:

Those figures may appear impressive on paper, but it must be kept in mind that the ARAI tests are conducted under laboratory-like settings with zero traffic, constant speed and no AC. On Indian roads, the actual Baleno mileage will be much lower, particularly in cities with high traffic.

Baleno City Mileage 

Here is what Baleno owners usually report when it comes to driving in the city with traffic lights, slow speed and the AC switched on:

• Petrol Manual: 15–17 kmpl
• Petrol AMT: 14–16 kmpl
• CNG: 23–25 km/kg

These Baleno mileage numbers will be different according to the traffic in your city and also depends on how loaded your Baleno is with passengers and luggage. 

Factors That Impact Baleno City Mileage

The fuel efficiency of any car takes a beating in the city, and the Baleno is no exception. Here's what could be pulling your mileage down.

1. Driving in Lower Gears for Too Long

Baleno’s lightweight frame responds well to early upshifts. Remaining in the lower gears longer when crawling through the traffic results in the engine revving and burning more fuel than necessary.

2. AC Usage in Stop-and-Go Traffic

The AC compressor is small and fuel-efficient on the Baleno, but during bumper-to-bumper traffic, it does increase the load, particularly at idle with the fan on high.

3. Short Runs with Cold Engine

Fuel efficiency can dip by quick 1–2 km trips where the engine does not get warmed up well enough, as cold starts burn more fuel.

4. Overloading the Boot

Baleno is not a small car, but carrying unnecessary cargo affects the mileage, particularly in city areas where the engine has to work harder to move extra weight.

5. Under-Inflated Tyres

Even a slight drop below the recommended 33 PSI affects the Baleno’s rolling efficiency, dragging mileage down by up to 1–2 kmpl.

How to Improve Baleno City Mileage?

A few smart changes in how you drive and care for your Baleno can make a noticeable difference in city mileage.

1. Shift to Higher Gears Early

Try shifting up by 2,000 RPM in petrol and 2,500 RPM in CNG. Baleno’s engine is tuned to handle early shifts without knocking, and this keeps fuel usage minimal.

2. Use the ‘Auto Stop-Start’ Feature Wisely

If your Baleno variant comes with idle start-stop, enable it in traffic. It shuts the engine when stationary and restarts automatically, which saves fuel during long red lights.

3. Control AC Usage

Keep the AC at a moderate fan setting in traffic. Use the recirculation mode to cool faster without overloading the compressor.

4. Avoid Excessive Clutch Use

If you're driving a manual Baleno, try not to rest your foot on the clutch in slow traffic, as it leads to premature wear and inefficient fuel burn.

5. Plan Routes Beforehand

Using Google Maps to avoid congested roads or peak hours reduces your stop-start count and directly boosts fuel economy in city drives.

Baleno Highway Mileage 

The Baleno excels on highways. It has a smooth suspension and an aerodynamic design, so you will get decent figures on long trips:

• Petrol Manual: 18–20 kmpl
• Petrol AMT: 17–19 kmpl
• CNG: 26–28 km/kg

Naturally, these figures only hold up if you are not pressing the pedal too hard or carrying excess weight. 

Factors That Impact Baleno Highway Mileage

Even with fewer stops, highway driving has its own challenges and the following factors can reduce your Baleno mileage:

1. Cruising at High Speeds

Going beyond 100 km/h drastically increases air drag. The Baleno performs best for mileage between 80–90 km/h, and anything beyond that dips efficiency.

2. Sudden Overtakes

While the Baleno’s engine can handle bursts of power, frequent throttle spikes disrupt smooth combustion and affect kmpl.

3. Open Windows at High Speeds

This increases drag, especially when cruising above 70 km/h. It’s better to roll up the windows and use the AC at a low setting.

4. Roof Carriers or External Mods

Although the Baleno is not typically modded, roof racks or rear spoilers (in case they are added as aftermarket) can interfere with aerodynamics and lower mileage.

5. Worn-Out Tyres or Misalignment

During long drives, tyre wear or poor alignment leads to uneven rolling resistance, which reduces the car’s fuel economy on the highway.

How to Improve Baleno Highway Mileage?

By adopting the right cruising patterns and some pre-drive checks, one can definitely maximise the Baleno mileage on the open road.

1. Cruise Between 80–90 km/h

This is your sweet spot. No matter whether you are driving a petrol or a CNG, maintaining this range will give you the maximum mileage without any strain on the engine.

2. Use 5th Gear (or AMT’s Manual Mode) Early

If you're using the manual variant, shift to 5th gear when the road allows. In AMT, switch to manual mode and control shifts to maintain low RPMs.

3. Use AC Efficiently

At higher speeds, using the AC is more efficient than driving with the windows down. Set it to a mid-level setting for comfort and economy.

4. Pack Light

The Baleno isn't meant to be a carrier van. Travel with just essentials, especially if you're on CNG since added weight impacts pick-up and fuel efficiency.

5. Check Tyres Before Every Trip

Keep the tyre pressure at the recommended level (usually 33 PSI for Baleno). Check for punctures, wear, or alignment issues before long drives.

Summary

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is already amongst the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks in its segment, but the real-world mileage depends on the way you drive it. It does not matter whether you are stuck in congested urban traffic or out on a highway cruise, small changes such as shifting gears early, loading the car lightly and maintaining steady speeds can help you maximise your Baleno mileage. Follow the routine services and smart driving habits, and you will not only save fuel but also experience a smoother driving experience.

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