Maruti to bring back Baleno in hatchback avatar

Code-named iK-2 (globally) and YRA (in India), the car will be introduced in the Indian market before Diwali this year.

In India, Baleno was introduced as a sedan back in 1999. It came with a 1.6 litre petrol engine. It was discontinued in 2007.

“As the production version of the iK-2 concept vehicle displayed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, the Baleno harmoniously combines stylish design, spacious interiors and new technologies," the company said on its website.

In India, the car will be sold through Maruti’s Nexa network and will compete with Hyundai Motor India Ltd’s Elite i20, Honda Cars India Ltd’s Jazz and Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd’s Polo.