The Maruti Baleno Facelift is still a couple of weeks away from its official launch on the 5th of September, but NEXA dealers across India have unofficially started accepting pre-bookings for the updated premium hatchback. For buyers keen on getting their hands on the new Baleno, there is plenty to look forward to.
The facelift brings changes to the Baleno inside-out. There is a new engine, a new CNG-automatic combination and several important feature upgrades. So, before you put your money down, here are seven things you need to know
The Baleno isn’t getting an all-new design. Instead, Maruti is giving it an evolutionary facelift. The front end is expected to get a revised grille and bumper, while new alloy wheel designs and fresh colours will add some visual changes. The overall shape of the hatchback will remain familiar.
Inside, the basic dashboard architecture is expected to continue, but Maruti will introduce a new interior theme, upholstery and additional equipment to make the cabin feel more upmarket.
This is one of the biggest changes. The Baleno facelift will get Maruti’s 1.2-litre Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine, already used in the Swift. It replaces the existing 1.2-litre four-cylinder K-Series engine.
The Z12 is designed to deliver better efficiency and stronger low-speed response. For a city-focused hatchback like the Baleno, that should make it easier to drive in stop-go traffic. The petrol engine will be paired with a five-speed manual and AMT gearbox.
This could be the most important change for buyers who spend most of their time in the city. The facelifted Baleno will become Maruti Suzuki’s first car with a factory-fitted CNG-AMT combination. The CNG version will also continue with a five-speed manual.
The CNG-AMT is expected to be available on the Delta and Zeta variants. This gives buyers the low running costs of CNG without having to deal with a manual gearbox in traffic.
The Baleno facelift’s biggest safety upgrade will be Level 1 ADAS. The system is expected to be restricted to the new top-spec Alpha (O) variant. It will include features such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and safe-exit warning. Front parking sensors could also be offered. This makes the Baleno one of the first premium hatchbacks in India to offer an ADAS package.
Maruti is also adding a feature that Baleno buyers have been asking for: wireless phone charging. This should work alongside wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, reducing the need for cables in the cabin. It is a small feature, but one that makes everyday use considerably more convenient.
The facelift is expected to get a 10.1-inch touchscreen, replacing the current 9-inch unit. Wireless smartphone connectivity will continue, while the new system should give the cabin a more modern feel. Maruti is also adding ventilated front seats. This could be particularly useful in India’s hot weather and will make the Baleno’s cabin feel considerably more premium. The existing 360-degree camera and head-up display are expected to continue.
The important thing to understand is that this isn’t just a cosmetic facelift. The Baleno is getting a new three-cylinder petrol engine, a CNG-AMT option, ADAS, wireless charging, ventilated seats and a larger touchscreen, while retaining popular features such as the HUD and 360-degree camera.
For anyone considering a Baleno right now, wait for the facelift if you can. The new car is shaping up to be significantly more feature-rich and technologically advanced than the current model. And with NEXA dealers already unofficially taking bookings, you can even jump the queue and be among the first to bring the new Baleno home.