It is official now: Maruti Suzuki will launch the heavily facelifted Baleno in mid-February and bookings have started taking place since 1st Feb. According to reports and spy sightings the Baleno will lose some of its signature curves in favour of angles and lean aesthetics.
Exterior
The facelifted Baleno will sport a new front fascia, complete with sleeker headlamps, redesigned bumper and bonnet. At the rear there are newly designed LED tail lamps, boot door and reworked bumper.
Interior
The interior too, has been completely revamped. The floating display on the dashboard is the standout feature. You also get redesigned AC vents, buttons and a sharp instrument cluster. Other interior details hint at a Heads Up Display, a D-steering wheel and an overall neat cabin.
Safety
The Baleno will be upping the safety stance, with six airbags on top models and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The body too will be made more robust with thicker steel at some places on the chassis and body panels.
Engine and Transmission
We aren’t expecting any powertrain changes – the new Baleno will feature the same 1.2 litre naturally aspirated and 1.2 litre mild hybrid petrol engines. Transmission will change though: the CVT used on previous models will be discontinued in favour of an affordable AMT unit, to be called Auto Gear Shift.
Price
With the inclusion of a new AMT gearbox the Baleno will be priced competitively and most likely be kept in the same price bracket. The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno will compete with the likes of Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Toyota Glanza and the Honda Jazz.
