Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno looks familiar at first glance, but it is an all-new generation car rather than a simple facelift. Every exterior panel is new, even though the overall silhouette remains recognisably Baleno. The approach is evolutionary rather than dramatic, aimed at retaining mass appeal.

The front gets a flatter bonnet, a wider grille with chrome accents and slimmer LED headlamps featuring a three-block DRL signature. At the rear, redesigned LED tail lamps extend into the tailgate and give the car a wider stance. Dual-tone 16-inch alloys and subtle chrome highlights add polish without excess.

Underneath, Maruti has used a higher proportion of high-strength steel, resulting in better rigidity and a noticeably more solid feel, especially in door shut and overall build impression.

The cabin is where the biggest improvement lies. The dashboard is completely redesigned and feels far more premium, with dual-tone materials and improved fit and finish. The flat-bottom-style steering wheel borrowed from the Swift suits the sporty cabin well.

A new 9-inch touchscreen dominates the centre and runs the SmartPlay Pro+ system. It is sharp, responsive and easy to use. The analogue dials are clear and legible, and overall ergonomics are well thought out.

Seat cushioning and contouring have improved, offering better support on longer drives. Rear seat space remains generous, comfortably accommodating taller passengers. The boot measures 318 litres, slightly smaller than before but still competitive for the segment.

Power comes from the 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine producing around 90hp and 113Nm. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The previous CVT has been dropped in favour of better efficiency and lower emissions.

The engine is smooth and predictable, with adequate performance for everyday driving. It feels best when revved, as the mid-range is not especially strong. Refinement levels are good, with engine noise well contained at cruising speeds.

The AMT is one of the better calibrated units of its type, though it still shows hesitation during quick acceleration and between lower gears.

Fuel efficiency remains a strong Baleno trait. Official figures stand at around 22.35kmpl for the manual and 22.94kmpl for the AMT. These numbers represent an improvement over the outgoing model and should translate into strong real-world economy.

Ride quality has seen a noticeable improvement. Revised suspension tuning helps the Baleno deal with broken roads more confidently, while low-speed comfort has improved significantly. The car feels more planted and composed than before.

Steering is light in the city and stable on the highway. While there is some looseness around the straight-ahead position, overall handling is predictable and secure rather than sporty.

The Baleno is now one of the most feature-rich cars in its segment. Highlights include a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, connected car tech and a high-quality infotainment system.

Safety has also improved, with six airbags on higher variants, ABS with EBD, stability control on AMT trims and ISOFIX mounts across the range.

With its improved interior quality, better ride comfort, strong efficiency and long feature list, the new Baleno continues to be a compelling premium hatchback. It may not be the most exciting to drive, but as a comfortable, efficient and well-equipped family car, it remains one of the strongest all-rounders in its class.