The much-awaited launch of the best selling premium hatchback is all set. Maruti has commenced the production of the Baleno facelift 2022 in its Gujarat plant. As a matter of fact, the first unit of the Baleno facelift has already rolled out of the plant.
The hatchback is set to be launched next month along with the price list. Sold under Maruti’s Nexa channel, the Baleno will get major updates overall.
Maruti Baleno facelift updated design
Maruti has updated almost every design element on the exterior. The Baleno now features a redesigned L shaped headlight with LED DRLs, grille, bumpers, tailgate and taillights. This gives the car a new look with a wider and bolder stance. The sides however seem similar to the predecessor.
The dashboard has been revamped with a new layout. It now features the new floating touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets wireless phone charging and possibly a heads up display (HUD).
Maruti aims for better safety
The outgoing Baleno was criticised for its safety rating. The premium hatch scored a very disappointing zero-star rating in the Latin NCAP safety test.
Now Maruti is determined to improve the safety of its cars. According to reports, the Baleno facelift will use a stronger grade of steel for most of the body panels. This will strengthen the structure and give a robust feel. They also intend to offer 6 airbags and an electronic stability program (ESP) for a few trims of the Baleno facelift. With overall improvements of the safety aspects of the car, Maruti aims at a 5-star safety rating for the Baleno.
Baleno facelift engine updates
Maruti will offer the Baleno facelift with the same 1.2-litre petrol engine in the current version. The normal engine makes 83hp whereas the 12Vmild hybrid assist engine pushes an additional 7hp with a total of 90hp.
The manual 5-speed transmission will be standard, however, Maruti is likely to ditch the CVT and provide an AMT gearbox seen in the Swift.
Launch
The Baleno facelift is slated to be launched in the last weeks of February along with the detailed price list. As far as the competition is concerned, the Baleno will go against the Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, VW Polo and the Toyota Glanza.
Toyota markets the Baleno under the Glanza and Starlet brand names in India and South Africa, respectively. Maruti will update both models and produce them in the same plant. Although, the launch of the Glanza facelift and Starlet facelift will happen a few months after the Baleno launch.
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