Facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno Spied Without Camouflage

• Facelifted Baleno to get redesigned taillamps, headlights, and grille.
• New floating touchscreen infotainment system and central console on the inside.
• Likely to get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, and wireless phone charger.
• Mechanicals should remain unchanged.

The facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been spotted yet again, this time without its camouflage, at an ad shoot. While the pictures aren’t of the best quality, they give us a fair idea of what to expect from the upcoming hatch.  

These spy shots mainly show the rear profile, where the hatch now gets split LED tail lamps. No changes have been made to the side and the dual-tone alloy wheels from the existing model are carried forward. Earlier pictures hinted that the hatch will get a larger grille and sleeker and more angular LED headlamps.

Inside, the hatch will get a new floating touchscreen infotainment system (probably eight inches) and a redesigned central console. It could also get new features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, and probably a wireless phone charger. 

Features like a coloured multi-info display, cruise control, climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and steering-mounted audio controls should be retained. Passenger safety should be taken care of by dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. 

The mechanicals are likely to remain unchanged. Currently, the Baleno gets a choice of a 83PS 1.2-litre K12B and 90PS 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engines, the latter being a mild-hybrid offering. A 5-speed manual transmission is offered as standard, while an optional CVT can be paired with the K12B mill.  

The facelifted Baleno will be part of Maruti's massive plan to launch eight new models in 2022. It’s likely to command a premium over the current model, priced from Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Baleno will renew its rivalry with the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz, and Toyota Glanza. 

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