Bookings for the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno are underway at Nexa dealerships, and the automaker has even begun manufacturing the heavily updated model at its Gujarat factory. Maruti Suzuki will reveal the Baleno's prices on February 23. This will be the biggest update to the premium hatchback since its launch in 2015, with the model earlier only receiving a mild refresh in 2019. The new Baleno will also feature some noteworthy changes to its design, a longer features list and some updates to its powertrain as well.
- Bigger touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a key addition
- New Baleno will come with an AMT gearbox instead of a CVT
- CNG option could be added later
Also read: Maruti Suzuki WagonR EV axed
New Maruti Suzuki Baleno: to be high on equipment
Despite being the bestselling hatchback in the segment, the equipment list on the Baleno always kept you wanting for more, especially when seen in the light of the Hyundai i20. But Maruti Suzuki will change that with the new Baleno.
Maruti has confirmed that the new Baleno will come with a new 9.0-inch free-standing, touchscreen infotainment system. Christened SmartPlay Pro +, the new infotainment system seems to be loaded with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Andrioid Auto and is also expected to come with connected car tech that could feature greater functionality than the current Suzuki Connect dongle that the company offers. Maruti will also offer wireless phone charging and the system is also expected to be compatible with Alexa voice commands.
Maruti Suzuki has also confirmed that the new Baleno will get a customisable heads-up display – a first-in-segment feature. It will display details such as speed, climate control, real-time fuel efficiency, time and rev counter. The new Baleno will also come with a 360-degree camera, which is yet another segment first feature, giving it an edge over the i20.
Despite all these major additions, the Baleno will still miss out on a digital instrument cluster. It will, however, get a new flat-bottom steering from the Swift, and Maruti Suzuki can also be expected to add cruise control, six airbags and ESP on top models.
New Maruti Suzuki Baleno: design updates
Though the Baleno will retain the overall profile of the outgoing car, it will receive significant changes that’ll give it a wider stance. The nose will be flatter, with a wider grille, revised bumpers and reshaped LED headlamps with Daytime Running Lamps. At the rear, the tailgate will be re-profiled, with the new LED tail-lamps extending into the hatch. A new design for the alloy wheels is also expected.
On the inside, the cabin will be completely redesigned as well. The dashboard design is set to be in line with the new Suzuki S-Cross revealed in international markets with the highlight being the new free-standing touchscreen and revised control surfaces and switches.
As with the current Baleno, the new hatchback will be available in four trim levels – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha.
New Maruti Suzuki Baleno: engine-gearbox and mechanical updates
The Baleno will continue to be underpinned by the Heartect platform, though Maruti will likely use a thicker grade of steel for the outer panels and some parts of the chassis, as we’ve already reported.
The outgoing Baleno could continue with the same engines – an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine (K12M) or a 90hp, 1.2-litre, mild-hybrid petrol unit (K12N) with dual jet and dual variable valve timing. What’s for sure is that the engine line-up will be updated to help the company meet the more stringent CAFE 2 (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) emission norms that are set to kick in by April.
A 5-speed manual will continue being the mainstay, though our sources have told us that the CVT automatic will be dropped in favour of a more cost-efficient AMT unit.
We’ve previously reported that Maruti Suzuki is working on expanding its CNG line-up, and the new Baleno could also get a CNG option at some point.
New Maruti Suzuki Baleno: price estimate and rivals
Currently, the Baleno is priced between Rs 6.14-8.46 lakh. Then there is the automatic, available in all but the base trim, and costs between Rs 8.21-9.66 lakh. The hybrid is available only with the manual and in two trims – Delta and Zeta – which are priced between Rs 7.90-8.59 lakh (all-prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).
We expect the new Baleno to come with a slight mark-up and be priced at about Rs 6.50-10.50 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom).
With the updated model, the Baleno will continue to duke it out with the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and the VW Polo in our market.
Which new feature are you looking forward to the most in the new Baleno? Let us know in the comments below.
Also see:
New Maruti Suzuki Baleno to pack in more tech and features
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno leaked ahead of unveil
Maruti Suzuki Baleno zips past 10 lakh sales in just six years