Maruti Suzuki has given the Baleno a facelift, with the premium hatchback getting styling tweaks and a revised interior layout with additional equipment. The Baleno can be purchased from Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa dealerships in a choice of four variants and prices for the hatchback start from Rs 6.35 lakh, ex-showroom.
Since the Baleno was launched in 2015, it has now become a familiar sight on our roads and with this facelift, it gets some prominent styling tweaks. For starters, the front grille has been redesigned, now getting wider and the front apron of the Baleno appears to be sharper than its curvier-looking predecessor. The LED projector headlamps on the higher-spec variants also get a new light signature for the DRLs. Move to the side and you will notice the new 16-inch dual-tone precision cut alloy wheels. The Baleno also gets redesigned tail lamps, ensuring that you won’t mistake this facelifted model for an older one and will be available in six striking paint schemes.
Step inside and you’ll observe that the design of the dashboard has been reworked to accommodate the most major change in the cabin, the 7-inch infotainment touch screen that gets Maruti Suzuki’s SmartPlay Pro suite of features along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher variants get the 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ system which is mated to an Arkamys sound system along with a 360-degree view camera. The SmartPlay Pro+ also supports over the air (OTA) updates via your smartphone and features voice assist. Also present is the next generation of Suzuki Connect, enabling owners to track and geofence their vehicle.
The Baleno also gets a head-up display (HUD) with multiple display options to display crucial information. The steering wheel is identical to the one you would see in the Swift and you also get a dual-tone blue and black colour scheme for the seats, along with a fast charging port at the rear in addition to the usual connectivity options. There’s also a TFT multi-information display in the instrument cluster. Adding to the comfort, the Baleno also gets a sliding arm-rest.
The Baleno also comes with a host of safety features, including 6 airbags, ABS and EBD, along with an electronic stability program (ESP) and hill hold assist, the latter two being offered on the AMT-equipped versions. Chauffeur driven owners will be happy to know that the Baleno gets rear AC vents.
The Baleno will be powered by a 1.2-litre nat-asp petrol engine coupled with Maruti Suzuki’s SmartHybrid technology, which includes an auto stop-start function to deliver better fuel efficiency. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Interestingly, the Baleno also gets an automatic variant but it seems that the earlier CVT transmission has been replaced by an AMT, possibly to keep the pricing of the Baleno competitive. Suzuki also claims that there is a new hydraulic clutch present on the Baleno for smoother operation, along with an upgraded braking system for better performance.
Prices for the Baleno start from Rs 6.35 lakh, ex-showroom and the premium hatchback will go up against the likes of the Hyundai i20, the Tata Altroz, the Honda Jazz and its cousin from Toyota, the Glanza. You can also get your hands on the Baleno via Maruti Suzuki's subscription program, at a monthly payment of Rs 13,999,