The Baleno is often well regarded for its large interior and comfortable ride, given its small footprint. But in its focus on comfort and practicality, some enthusiasts have bashed its handling, complaining that it feels far less sporty than some competitors. The other hot button topic is suspension tuning, which leans towards ride comfort over handling prowess. Some owners like the balance, calling it perfectly suited to Indian road conditions, while others feel it is too soft and does not engage. Space, comfort and driving fun are key considerations for buyers in this segment, but it’s a trade off. Balancing these aspects in real world use is something that can make or break a buyer’s decision, and understanding how the Baleno does that in real world use, especially compared to rivals like the Hyundai i20 or Tata Altroz is important.