The 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is set to be launched in the next few days. Maruti Suzuki’s dealerships across the country have started accepting pre-launch bookings for the Baleno facelift across the country. While the carmaker hasn’t revealed much about the new Baleno apart from a teaser image that partly reveals the front fascia, a brochure of the updated hatchback, which has been leaked online, gives us a fair idea of what to expect from the updated premium hatchback.
According to the leaked brochure, the new Baleno will receive LED headlamps instead of the bi-xenon units found in the current top-spec Alpha variant. However, whether the LED units will be offered on all variants or just the top-spec Baleno Alpha remains to be seen. The Baleno facelift will also receive a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels that are expected to look more sportier than the current 16-inch unit.
On the inside, the updated hatchback will feature a new 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system which recently debuted with the new Wagon R. It will replace the current 7-inch infotainment unit. However, like before, it will continue to feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options. The refreshed Baleno will also feature a new black-and-blue dual-tone interior theme instead of the all-black upholstery found in the outgoing model.
Other changes that are expected to make their way into the new Baleno include standard rear parking sensors, which are currently available from the Delta variant (second variant) onwards. It should also get a speed alert system and co-driver seatbelt alert as standard across the range.
Apart from these, Maruti has already revealed the colour options and variant list of the facelifted Baleno. While the variant lineup has remained unchanged, Maruti has introduced three new colours – Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Phoenix Red and Nexa Blue – to the lineup. They will replace earlier options, including Granite Gray, Fire Red, Urban Blue and Ray Blue.
As far as powertrains are concerned, the Baleno facelift is expected to retain the engines and transmissions seen on the current model, which include a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine and a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motor. The 1.3-litre unit produces 75PS of power and 190 Nm of peak torque, while the 1.2-litre engine is good for 84PS and 115Nm. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed MT. However, the petrol-powered Baleno can also be had with a CVT gearbox as well.
The new Baleno is likely to be priced at a slight premium over the current version, which is priced between Rs 5.42 lakh and Rs 8.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It will continue to rival likes of the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo and the upcoming Tata 45X-based hatchback, which will go on sale by June 2019.
By: CarDekho
