Used Tata Altroz vs Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Which One Should You Buy?

The premium hatchback segment may just provide the perfect mix of space, comfort, features, efficiency and affordability for most buyers. For buyers stretching their budget, shopping for a used premium hatchback increases the value-for-money significantly. Among the limited options available, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno stands out as a tried-and-tested choice. On the other hand, the Tata Altroz is a newer entrant that stands out for its eye-catching design. 

If you’re in the market for a used hatchback from the premium segment, this used car comparison based on resale values will help you decide between the stylish and safe Altroz and the dependable and efficient Baleno. 

Used Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has consistently been at the top of sales charts for the brand since its launch in 2015. As such, there are many pre owned Maruti Suzuki Baleno models available, including several older examples at cheaper second hand values to suit lower budgets. For reference, the Baleno was facelifted in 2019, the diesel model was discontinued in 2020 and the second-gen Baleno was introduced in 2022. 

Launched in 2020, there’s fewer used Tata Altroz models in the market. For reference, Tata introduced a turbo variant in 2021 and dual-clutch automatic variants in 2022. CARS24 used car report Gears of Growth shows that most first-owner cars are sold only after seven years of ownership. So if you’re set on a used Altroz, expect more to hit the car resale market in the coming years.  

Since both these hatchbacks are still on sale in the new market, both have held onto their resale value quite well with good used car demand for both. However, once you take into account that pricing for used Baleno models includes cars a few years older than used Altroz models. But, the difference in average used selling price, or resale value, still favours the Baleno. In the Indian used car market, resale value remains a key indicator of long-term cost-effectiveness.

Note: Cars in consideration are manufactured/registered from 2014 and newer, with mileage under 1 lakh (<1,00,000) kilometres.

Key Talking Points from the Resale Value Data

• Altroz shows a higher average used selling price: Considering the Altroz is a newer model, the choices in the used market are priced higher on average compared to the older Baleno models. 
• Baleno holds onto its resale value better: Despite the age gap between the cheapest used Baleno and the cheapest used Altroz being around four years, the price gap is only around ₹1 lakh, pointing to the Baleno’s stronger resale value.
• More affordable options available in used Baleno market: Several pre-facelift Baleno models are available around the ₹3-4 lakh mark.
• Diesel variants hold value better, despite being high-mileage: Both the Baleno and Altroz were offered with powerful and efficient diesel engines that appeal to buyers with high usage. As a result, diesel models are higher mileage than petrol models but still hold their values well.

• Better resale value for top-end trims: Top-end models of both the Baleno and Altroz hold their value better, offering second hand buyers all the conveniences of a new car such as push button start/stop, LED projector headlights, connected telephony and more.

   

What This Means for You as a Buyer

If you’re looking for a premium hatchback on a budget, a used Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the right choice. More available options, as well as older models at lower prices, mean more choice for the buyer. If a buyer’s budget is truly limited, some higher mileage Balenos are available for cheaper than average used values. Compared to the second-gen Baleno, older models still offer the same spacious cabin, comfortable ride and typical Maruti Suzuki efficiency and reliability.

On the other hand, the Tata Altroz is a more eye-catching option, not to mention it’s one of the safest hatchbacks, earning a 5-star GNCAP rating. Despite being a model introduced more recently, resale values of used Altroz models are at par or lower with used Baleno models. If a buyer is looking for a great deal on a newer, stylish premium hatchback, the Altroz is the way to go.

Depreciation Rates Over Five Years: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz

The resale value of cars is heavily dependent on depreciation for the specific model, apart from the usual factors such as age of car, mileage covered, number of owners, condition and service history. Certain models also experience different depreciation rates in different regions/cities across the country. This is how depreciation affects the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz in terms of percentage of value loss over a period of five years.

Depreciation Insights and Takeaways

• Baleno and Altroz have similar depreciation rates overall: Both models display extremely similar depreciation rates over the course of five years. By the end of the first years, both models have dropped the exact same 27% of their value, meaning both retain 73% of their on-road value.

• Baleno loses more in second and fourth year of ownership: The Baleno displays marginally higher depreciation in the second and fourth year of ownership.

• Altroz loses more in third and fifth year of ownership: Similarly, the Altroz shows marginally higher depreciation in the third and fifth years of ownership.

• Depreciation for Altroz higher in certain regions: While the overall depreciation rates for the Baleno and Altroz are similar, in certain markets such as Delhi NCR and Mumbai, the Altroz shows up to 3% higher depreciation after five years. This means a used Altroz can offer especially good value if bought in these metro markets.
   

Engine Options and Driving Experience: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz

Launched after the Baleno, the Altroz was clearly benchmarked against the segment-leader in terms of its powertrain options and performance figures. While the diesel engine in the Baleno was dropped in 2020, the Altroz remains the only premium hatchback to offer a diesel engine. This remains a big selling point for the Altroz, both in the new market and in terms of used market resale values.  

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.2-litre petrol – 5-speed manual/CVT (2015-2022)
• 1.2-litre petrol/CNG – 5-speed manual/5-speed AMT (2022-onwards)
• 1.0-litre turbo petrol - 5-speed manual (2017-2020)

• 1.3-litre diesel - 5-speed manual (2015-2020

   

Tata Altroz Engine and Transmission Options

• 1.2-litre petrol/CNG – 5-speed manual/6-speed DCT (DCT 2022 onwards, CNG 2023 onwards)
• 1.2-litre turbo petrol - 5-speed manual (2021-2024)
• 1.5-litre diesel – 5-speed manual
  
   

Driving Feel and Performance Observations

• The Baleno’s 1.2-litre, 4-cyl petrol is peppier and smoother than the Altroz’s 1.2-litre, 3-cyl petrol. The Baleno provides a more upmarket and less noisy experience from behind the wheel.
• The Altroz suspension setup is more comfortable and deals with bad roads better than the Baleno’s. Older Baleno models can exhibit some instability over bad roads with a full-load.

• The Altroz is the marginally more heavy car but appears to be more stable due to how the steering and suspension feel.

   

Maintenance Cost Comparison: Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz

For buyers, especially ones on a budget, the maintenance costs during ownership of a car can be the difference between a bad experience and a great one. The first service is typically free and as such not counted in this breakdown of service costs. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Maintenance Costs

 

Tata Altroz Maintenance Costs

Maintenance Insights

• The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is more affordable to maintain than the Tata Altroz right from the first year of ownership, continuing till the fifth year of ownership and beyond.
• Paid services for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno cost around ₹3,500-4,000 on average, while paid services for the Tata Altroz can cost upwards of ₹6,000 on average.
• Note that recommended service intervals for the Tata Altroz are every 15,000km versus every 10,000km for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. For high-mileage users, this could prove to be a point in favour of the Altroz.
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Conclusion

For buyers looking for a decent used premium hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno proves to be the smart choice. Buyers can expect years of reliable ownership with no major issues. Typical of the brand, owners will also enjoy great fuel efficiency and easy repairs given the brand’s low cost of spares and vast service network. 

Even older Baleno models were equipped with all the modern features one could want or need, such as touchscreen infotainment, reversing camera, UV-cut glass and more. Considering the model’s good resale value, a used Baleno could also be used for a few years and sold on without losing too much money in terms of market value. 

The Tata Altroz on the other hand is a case of heart over head in some ways. Buyers bowled over by its striking good looks will have the advantage of buying at slightly lower prices given its lower resale value. At the same time, that extends to a disadvantage when reselling later. 

On the Altroz’s side are great build quality and safety ratings, as well as better ride quality. Buyers will end up spending more on each service but also travel further between each service. Ultimately, if safety is a priority, then a used Altroz is a better choice. If efficiency is a priority, then a used Baleno is the better pick. 

For buyers worried about peace of mind on cars that are out of company warranty, CARS24 covers all its used cars under a 30-day standard warranty with a 12-month extended warranty option as well, making either second hand choice the right one.