This is what customers were expecting from Maruti Suzuki. Lots of features, better packaging, more safety aids and a premium cabin. Well, the 2022 Baleno is complete in every sense and that’s why the brand has finally decided to launch it with a price tag starting at Rs.6.35 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Are you planning to buy a new hatchback? The all-new Maruti Suzuki Baleno is definitely worth considering.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift has made its Indian debut.
- Will be available with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol unit.
- Receives several cosmetic and feature updates for MY22.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift
Exterior & Design
The sleeker headlamps and taillamps definitely feel modern and improve the overall stance on either end. Another change at the front is the grille that Maruti Suzuki called ‘NEXWave’. The DRLs have also been tweaked along with the 16-inch alloy wheels to improve the premium appeal.
Coming to the most important changes, the facelifted model also receives some mechanical upgrades in the form of new suspensions, 14-inch disc brakes and a fresh hydraulic clutch system.
A palette consisting of six shades has been introduced for the 2022 Baleno. Called NEXA Blue, Arctic White, Grandeur Grey, Opulent Red, Splendid Silver and Luxe Beige, these exterior colours look absolutely staggering in the real world. Also, just to offer a personalised experience to every individual buyer two packages, named Elegrade collection and Novo-Spirit collection can also be opted at the time of booking.
Safety Features
After a long time, Maruti Suzuki is focusing more on the safety part. Built on the old HEARTECT platform, the new Baleno is made up of High and Ultra High Tensile Steel to improve the strength of the overall structure.
Also, safety features such as ESP, Hill Hold Assist, six airbags, ABS with EBD, speed alert and seat belt reminder have been added to keep the occupants safe.
Interior
Modern, practical and premium are some words that can really justify the new cabin. Starting with the design, it now features several free-flowing lines from one end to the other with panels finished in piano black and metallic grey. Thankfully, Maruti Suzuki has also replaced the dated AC controls with an entirely new setup.
In terms of features, Baleno is better than ever with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, large 9-inch ARKAMYS floating touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, multiple charging ports and a sliding armrest. To give it an edge over its rivals, a few first-in-segment features such as a head-up display and 360-degree camera are also a part of the feature’s list.
Engine and Transmission
Maruti Suzuki is still sticking to a fuel-efficient 1.2-litre four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. The brand claims that it produces 88.5BHP and 113Nm of torque while returning a fuel economy ranging somewhere between 22.35kmpl to 22.94kmpl depending upon the gearbox. Well, that’s impressive!
Another old yet crucial detail about the Baleno is that it is still available with either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. To be a little more precise, the entry-level Sigma variant misses out on an automatic transmission.
Price List: 2022 Baleno
| Manual | Automatic | |
| Sigma | Rs.6.35 Lakhs | – |
| Delta | Rs.7.19 Lakhs | Rs.7.69 Lakhs |
| Zeta | Rs.8.09 Lakhs | Rs.8.59 Lakhs |
| Alpha | Rs.8.99 Lakhs | Rs.9.49 Lakhs |
Baleno is also available for a monthly subscription fee starting at just Rs.13,999. As per the brand, Maruti Suzuki Subscribe is a program designed to bring the new Baleno home in the form of a rental car.
Alternatives
In India, Maruti Suzuki Baleno compares with some best-selling premium hatchbacks, including Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo.