The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno is just a week away from its India launch and spy photos of the premium hatchback have already surfaced online. However, we have now got our hands on leaked images of the exterior and interior from multiple angles that give us our clearest look at refreshed Baleno yet.
- 2022 Baleno gets significant exterior and interior design changes
- Will come in four trims – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha
- Will get a sole 1.2-litre petrol engine option
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno exterior design
The new Baleno gets a wider grille with an angular honeycomb pattern and a brushed silver strip at its base that extends all the way into the new wraparound headlights. The headlights are wider at their base and also get a new three-element LED DRL signature. Lighting is expected to be via projector units across the range, with lower trims getting halogen bulbs and higher trims getting LEDs. The clamshell bonnet’s design is now flatter and the front bumper has been revamped with larger fog lamp housings.
While the side profile is virtually the same as the outgoing model, the chrome strip accentuating the lower portion of the window line now also extends up to the rear quarter glass. At the rear, the big change are the new C-shaped LED tail-lights that extend onto the tailgate, along with the reprofiled rear bumper.
Maruti will offer the new Baleno in six colour options – Pearl Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Celestial Blue, Opulent Red and Luxe Beige.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno: interiors
On the inside, Maruti Suzuki has given the new Baleno a significant update with an all-new layered design for the dashboard, the top half of which is reminiscent of the new S-Cross sold overseas. Unlike the older model – which predominantly had a black dashboard with a few silver accents – the new dash has a three-layer design with black on top, a silver accent line running across the width of the cabin in the middle, and the lower section and door cards finished in dark blue.
Other changes include a free-standing touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, new switchgear for the automatic climate control (which is positioned slightly lower than the outgoing model), a new steering wheel – similar to the one seen in the Swift – and a new design for the instrument cluster, which still comprises of two analogue dials with a digital MID in between. The design of the front seats and the seat upholstery have also changed, and the images confirm that Maruti Suzuki will not offer a sunroof even in the top-spec model.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno variants and features
We have also managed to get hold of the list of features one can expect in each of the four main variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. Thanks to our dealer sources, we can confirm that the Baleno Sigma trim will come with halogen projector headlights, LED taillights, steel wheels, remote central locking, front and rear power windows, tilt-adjustable steering, auto climate control, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS, and a speed warning system.
The Baleno Delta trim will add wheel covers, wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Android auto and Apple CarPlay, a four-speaker sound system, and steering mounted controls. The AMT-equipped versions will also get ESP and hill start assist.
The Baleno Zeta trim will add LED projector headlights, alloy wheels, a rear washer and wiper, four airbags, a rear-view camera, keyless entry and go, telescopic steering adjustment, a colour MID, Smartplay Pro connected car tech, rear AC vents, and 60:40 split folding rear seats.
Finally, the top-spec Baleno Zeta adds LED fog lights, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, power folding wing mirrors, a 9.0-inch ‘Smartplay Pro+’ touchscreen infotainment system, a heads-up display (HUD), 360-degree cameras and a few other features.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno engine and gearbox
While the outgoing Baleno gets two similar petrol engine options, the new version will only get one. It’s the newer of the two 1.2-litre petrol engines, dubbed ‘K12N’, which features variable valve timing and an integrated starter generator (ISG) that allows for auto engine stop/start to help save fuel. This is not, however, Maruti’s SHVS mild hybrid system, and as such doesn’t have the advantage of the mild electric power boost to the driven wheels. Apart from a five-speed manual as standard, it will also be offered with a five-speed AMT automatic gearbox option.
2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno rivals and expected price
The new Baleno is set to be launched on February 23, 2022. The updated premium hatchback will go up against the likes of the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and VW Polo. We expect Maruti to increase the Baleno’s prices slightly, placing it in the Rs 6.50 lakh-10.50 lakh range (estimated, ex-showroom).
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