2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno first impression: A feature-rich hatchback
What's the story
Maruti Suzuki's Baleno has been a huge success in the premium hatchback segment and is currently the best-selling car in its class. However, due to the influx of subcompact SUVs, the Baleno had come under threat and needed an overhaul. The Baleno (facelift) is exactly that with numerous updates to its design and equipment list. Here's our first impression.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Despite our growing fondness for SUVs, Maruti Suzuki continues to be the leader in the hatchback space and maintains its market share based on that. The Baleno (facelift) is the first of the many planned launches for India by the company as it tries to refresh its entire range. Going forward, Maruti Suzuki will focus on both petrol and electric cars.
Exteriors
The car gets a more aggressive look
The Baleno (facelift) is not a mild update as it is apparent by the more aggressive new look. The grille is revised and gets a silver finish at the bottom while being flanked by larger swept-back LED headlamps at the sides. The headlamps also get new LED DRLs. Elsewhere, there are new 16-inch alloy wheels along with new C-shaped LED taillamps.
Interiors
The cabin has a new design for the dashboard
The cabin has received the majority of changes with an entirely new design for the dashboard. The Baleno (facelift) also gets a dual-tone upholstery with distinct blue inserts. Maruti Suzuki has also updated the instrument cluster with a bigger "free-standing" touchscreen infotainment system that sits at the top of the dashboard along with new controls below. Space is the same as before.
Features
From a head-up display to a 360-degree-view camera
The biggest highlights for the Baleno (facelift) include a new 9.0-inch touchscreen with the new SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, a 360-degree-view camera, a head-up display, automatic climate control, and an Arkamys premium audio system. The Baleno (facelift) also gets wireless charging, cruise control, rear AC vents, and connected car technology. In terms of safety, there are six airbags.
Performance
It comes with a new automatic gearbox
The Baleno (facelift) is solely powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 89hp of power and 113Nm of torque. It also gets an idle start/stop function for better fuel efficiency. Standard is a 5-speed manual gearbox while an AMT gearbox is optional on select trim levels. The outgoing Baleno came with a CVT automatic but it has been replaced with the new AMT gearbox.
Pocket-pinch
How much does it cost?
The bookings for the 2022 Baleno are already open. It starts at Rs. 6.35 lakh and goes up to Rs. 9.49 lakh for the top-end model (both prices, ex-showroom). Overall, Maruti Suzuki has clearly injected a new lease of life into one of its best-selling models. The Baleno (facelift) is a lot more desirable now with its sharper styling and enhanced equipment list.