Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s Unofficial Bookings Underway

• New Baleno is likely to come in four trims: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha.
• Gets a larger front grille, new LED lighting, and redesigned bumpers.
• New features will likely include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connected car tech.
• The same 1.2-litre petrol engines will be carried forward.

Select Nexa dealerships have begun unofficial bookings for the facelifted Baleno for a token of Rs 11,000. The updated premium hatch, scheduled to arrive in late February, will be Maruti Suzuki's first of eight launches lined up for 2022. 

Like the current hatch, the facelifted Baleno will likely be offered in four trims: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha. 

Starting with the design. The larger front grille, sleeker LED headlamps, and new front bumper lend boldness to the hatchback. There are no major changes on the side, and the alloy wheels seem to have been carried forward. At the rear, it now gets split-LED tail lamps. 

Inside, things get more radical. The facelifted Baleno gets a new dashboard, and the highlight has to be the larger floating touchscreen infotainment system, which could get connected car tech and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The climate controls have been redesigned, and the steering wheel will be similar to the Swift. 

The facelifted Baleno should retain most of the current model’s features, including the steering-mounted audio controls, keyless entry with push-button start, coloured multi-info display, and cruise control. 

Passenger safety should be taken care of by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. 

The hatch should continue with the 83PS 1.2-litre K12B and 90PS 1.2-litre Dualjet (with mild-hybrid) petrol engines. A 5-speed manual is offered as standard, and there’s an optional CVT (limited to the K12B motor). 

All these updates to the Baleno will be passed on to the Glanza, which is expected to be launched soon after. 

The 2022 Baleno will likely command a premium over the existing model, which is priced from Rs 6.14 lakh (ex-showroom). It will renew its rivalry with the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, and the updated Toyota Glanza.

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