EXCLUSIVE: 2022 Maruti Baleno Facelift Cabin Shots Surface

• All-new dual-tone dashboard layout with a mix of violet and black, with silver inserts.

• Other changes include the Dzire’s steering wheel, new climate control knobs, revised central AC vents, and new door pads.

• Features set to include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment, segment-first head-up display, and an Arkamys-tuned sound system.

• Will be powered by a 90PS 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine, paired with 5-speed MT and AMT.

• To rival the  Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Glanza.

It's been a bombshell set of news for the last couple of days, with information for the facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno coming in fresh and hot. And now, we’ve exclusively gotten our hands on the updated hatchback’s interior ahead of its launch on February 23.

Immediately we noticed an all-new dual-tone dashboard layout with a violet shade mixed with black and silver highlights  to keep things fresh. The same shade extends to the door trims and upholstery. Move over to the driver’s side, and the Baleno now gets the Swift/Dzire’s steering wheel albeit with silver highlighter. It also has new climate control knobs.

The most obvious change lies at the centre console, thanks to the new, larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This has led to a new set of central AC vents, with some tweaks to the side AC vents as well. We already know thanks to earlier teasers and leaks, that the Baleno will get an Arkamys-tuned sound system, a segment-first head-up display (HUD), and rear USB A and C ports. 

Leaked images of the exterior confirmed that the facelifted Baleno will have a larger front grille, more angular LED headlights, retouched 10-spoke alloy wheels, split-LED tail lamps, and tweaked bumpers. Six body shades will be on offer: Nexa Blue, Pearl Arctic White, Opulent Red, Luxe Beige, Grandeur Grey, and Splendid Silver. The last four are new additions to the Baleno. 

In the safety department, the updated hatchback will come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, brake assist, rear parking sensors, as well as a segment-first 360-degree camera.

Under the hood, the Baleno will be specced with a 90PS 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine without mild-hybrid assistance, and paired with a 5-speed manual as standard. There will be one big mechanical change, with a 5-speed AMT replacing the CVT gearbox from before. We’ve also gotten our hands on the fuel efficiency figures which we’ve covered in detail, and compared it with the pre facelift model.

It will be offered in six trims: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Zeta (O), Alpha, and Alpha (O) with prices likely ranging from Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Its rivals will include the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, and the upcoming facelifted Toyota Glanza.