Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Baleno is the carmaker’s premium hatchback, which has been one of the highest selling cars in the country, despite not getting any proper update in nearly four years. Its all-rounder package offers good comfort, practicality, and features for a small family have kept it relevant in modern times against newer rivals like the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20. 

But despite the healthy demand, Maruti felt like things needed to be changed a bit and so, the carmaker has launched a facelift version, which brings minor changes across the board: some expected ones and a few surprising ones. So what’s the Baleno like now, and should you consider it?

The design of the Maruti Baleno didn’t really need much of a rework and clearly, Maruti has gone with the philosophy of why fix it if it ain’t broken?

The nose looks completely different from before, because of the new 3-slat chrome grille. And the ‘Suzuki’ logo now sits above it. The LED headlights are the same as before and look handsome. The three piece LED DRLs continue to be present while the fog lights sit inside the revised bumper. 

Now because this is a facelift, the silhouette remains unchanged but the elements defining it are new. It continues to get the same 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, chrome windowline, chrome door handles and turn indicators in the ORVMs. The overall design in profile is pretty sober. 

There’s not a lot going on at the rear too. A simple bumper and tailgate keep things pretty un-eventful, and the LED tail lights are separated by a chrome strip in the middle. It does get a shark fin antenna and a roof mounted spoiler. 

Maruti has taken this opportunity to add a new Enigmatic Teal colour to the palette of the Baleno. Rest of the colour options include: 

Overall, design wise, the new Maruti Baleno doesn’t give you any new reasons to buy it. If you wanted a simple, but modern looking hatchback that all the people in the family will most likely approve of, then it fits the bill. There’s more style to be found in its rivals, especially the Tata Altroz.

On the inside, we expect the facelifted Baleno to get a new cabin theme and updated upholstery. It can also get slightly more premium materials for the seat upholstery and dashboard.

Features like a centre armrest (front and rear), all adjustable headrests, a height adjustable driver seat, and steering wheel adjustment will be retained.

From a functional standpoint, the feature list of the outgoing Maruti Baleno had no real misses. All modern basics were covered, and that continues to be the case here. But along with the functional equipment, there are better creature comforts to go with it. 

Keyless entry, push-button start/stop, auto AC, power windows, rear AC vents, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and charging options make up all the daily must-haves. 

You still get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the same 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system as before. There is no digital driver instrument cluster, which is acceptable. Analog dials look classy, and the MID in the middle is good enough for trip details and other details. 

A big upgrade are the ventilated seats in the package, after which, there’s nothing in particular that you could want from a car at this price.

On the safety front, you can expect 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESC), hill hold assist, front and rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminders, and ISOFIX child seat anchors are expected to be offered with the new version.

The current version of the hatchback also gets a 360-degree camera, which is expected to be carried forward in the facelifted Baleno.

This is where the most significant bit of change has come in for the Baleno. This facelift bids goodbye to the 1.2 four-cylinder petrol engine, and replaces it with a new 3-cylinder engine. Maruti says it gives better torque and driveability at city speeds, which is something we have seen with the Swift. CNG continues to be offered as a factory fit alternative and here are the specifications:

The Maruti Baleno has always been the top choice in its segment since it was first launched but over the years it has started lagging behind when compared to its rivals. 

With this facelift, if the updates to the hatchback are significant, the Maruti Baleno can come on par with the segment and give its rivals a strong competition. Whether the facelifted Baleno can do that or not, is still under question, and you’ll get the answer once the facelift is revealed soon.