Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno To Get One Big Mechanical Downgrade

• 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno to come in six trims.
• Will be offered only with the 90PS 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine without mild hybrid.
• Smooth CVT to be replaced with the more cost effective AMT.
• New features include a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Prices likely to start from Rs 6.5 lakh.

Ahead of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s launch, we have got hold of the hatchback’s variant lineup. The Baleno will be offered in six broad trims, with the Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha trims joined by two new trims, the Zeta (O), and the Alpha (O). Besides, the new hatch will also get one big mechanical change, which might change its driving manners. 

This time around, the Baleno will just get the 90PS 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine without the mild-hybrid system. It will just get the idle auto start-stop system for improving fuel economy. The 83PS 1.2-litre K Series petrol engine has been dropped from the hatch. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered as standard, however the automatic variants will rely on a 5-speed AMT instead of the CVT. 

This move, in our opinion, is a downgrade as the CVT is much smoother and more refined than the relatively slower-shifting AMT. We suspect it could have been done to keep costs in check and give buyers a more affordable automatic option. 

That said, Maruti Suzuki will be playing the features game with new additions like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charger, and an Arkamys-tuned sound system. 

Other features on board include automatic climate control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry with push-button start, cruise control, and auto LED headlights. Passenger safety is taken care of by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and electronic stability control. 

Prices of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno will be announced in the coming days and official bookings are underway. We expect it to be priced from Rs 6.5 lakh, putting it in contention with the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Glanza.