Automobile
New Maruti Baleno gets bigger grille, new engine and Level 2 ADAS: Here’s what has changed…
Maruti Suzuki has given the Baleno a major upgrade with a redesigned front end, new Z-Series petrol engine, premium features and advanced Level 2 ADAS technology.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been one of India’s most popular premium hatchbacks for years. Now, the company has given it a substantial update, bringing changes to its design, engine, cabin and safety technology.
The updated Maruti Suzuki Baleno continues to follow the familiar formula of practicality and efficiency, but adds several features that could make it considerably more appealing to modern car buyers.
New front design makes the Baleno stand out
The biggest visual change can be seen at the front of the new Maruti Baleno.
The hatchback now gets a larger grille, giving the front end a wider and more prominent appearance. The Suzuki logo has also been moved above the grille, creating a noticeably different look compared with the previous model.
The LED projector headlamps feature the NEXA three-block lighting pattern, adding a sharper appearance to the car.
The alloy wheels and rear styling, however, remain largely familiar. Maruti Suzuki has also introduced a new Teal colour option, giving buyers another exterior choice.
Cabin gets more premium features
Inside, the overall dashboard layout remains similar, but the equipment list has been upgraded.
The new Baleno gets leatherette seats and fresh upholstery, adding a more premium feel to the cabin.
Among the notable additions are ventilated seats, wireless charging with a cooling function and a Clarion audio system.
These upgrades are significant because customers in the premium hatchback segment are increasingly looking for comfort and convenience features that were once associated with more expensive vehicles.
Level 2 ADAS is a major addition
Perhaps the biggest technology upgrade comes in the form of Level 2 radar-based ADAS.
The new Maruti Baleno gets several driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam.
The addition of ADAS could give the Baleno an important advantage in a market where vehicle safety technology is becoming an increasingly important consideration for buyers.
New Z-Series engine focuses on efficiency
The mechanical changes are equally important.
The updated Baleno is powered by the new Z-Series petrol engine, a three-cylinder unit that is also used in models such as the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
The engine produces 82 bhp, slightly lower than the output of the previous engine. However, the major focus is on fuel efficiency.
The five-speed manual version is claimed to deliver 23.8 kmpl, while the AMT version is rated at 24.7 kmpl.
For Indian customers, where running costs play a major role in the buying decision, those mileage figures could prove to be one of the new Baleno’s strongest selling points.
New Maruti Baleno price in India
Despite the upgrades, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno continues to have a competitive starting price of Rs 6.09 lakh.
This keeps the premium hatchback within reach of buyers who want a combination of modern features, efficiency and everyday practicality.
The updated model also gets a stronger premium character thanks to its additional equipment and technology.
New vs old Baleno: What has actually changed?
Compared with the previous-generation model, the new Maruti Baleno is not a complete visual transformation. The side profile and rear design remain familiar.
However, the changes become much more meaningful when the entire package is considered.
The larger grille gives the hatchback a fresh identity, while the upgraded interior adds comfort-focused features. The new Z-Series engine puts greater emphasis on fuel efficiency, and the introduction of Level 2 ADAS is arguably the most significant technological addition.
For Maruti Suzuki, this appears to be an evolution rather than a complete reinvention of the Baleno formula.
The company has retained the qualities that helped make the hatchback successful while adding more technology and premium features.
With a starting price of Rs 6.09 lakh, a new engine, improved mileage, a refreshed design and ADAS, the new Maruti Baleno could have plenty to offer buyers looking for a modern premium hatchback without moving into the SUV segment.
