Published : 04 February 2022
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Mohammad Osaaf
A leaked teaser image of the 2022 Baleno facelift has surfaced on the internet ahead of the official launch. It gives us a preview of the front fascia of Maruti’s premium hatchback along with the tagline ‘A Big Surprise Coming Soon’. Though not very clear, it reveals some key details of the front. Many Nexa dealers are already accepting unofficial bookings for the new Baleno. As the production has already begun, we expect Maruti to launch the 2022 Baleno this month, that is February.
A line at the bottom of the teaser image says ‘Bookings Open Now’. It could be an indication that Maruti were planning to begin accepting bookings as soon as they officially release the teaser. Nevertheless, we might soon hear news of official bookings as the launch is slated for this month itself.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Baleno Unofficial Bookings Open At Nexa Dealerships
The teaser image suggests that the front end of the 2022 Baleno will get new LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs. The grille seems wider and more angular than before, giving the hatchback a wilder and sharper look. A chrome line runs under the grille on the upper variants, just as before. As the previous spy shots suggested, the front end will also get a revised bumper with fog lamps housing.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Baleno Production Starts - Launch in Feb
From the previous spy shots, we know that the side profile will look largely the same. The alloy wheel design, too, remains the same. The rear will get a new tailgate design, new L-shaped LED tail lamps and a new bumper.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Baleno Base Variant Pictures Leaked
The interior will get a complete overhaul. It will get the following changes
- A new dashboard layout
- New AC vents design
- A new centre console layout
- New steering wheel
- A larger touchscreen infotainment system
- Heads-up display
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Spotted On TVC Shoot
We also expect Maruti to add some features in the new Baleno, such as connected car technology, rear armrest, rear AC vents and cruise control. There are rumours that the Baleno will get safety features like 6 airbags, ESP and traction control on the higher variants. Maruti could also improve the sheet quality of the body panels for better safety. 6 airbags will help Baleno comply with the Government’s upcoming ‘6 airbags standard’ rule.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift Launch In February 2022
The Baleno is likely to continue with the 1.2L mild-hybrid petrol engine. It produces 90PS of maximum power and 113Nm of torque. Maruti are also likely to carry forward the 5-speed manual transmission. We expect Maruti to change the automatic transmission from CVT to a 5-speed AMT to keep costs in check. The same AMT transmission is also used in cars like the Swift, Dzire, and WagonR.
Maruti may also launch a CNG version of the Baleno at a later stage. It will rival the upcoming Altroz CNG. There are also rumours that the new Baleno will get the option of a 1.5L normal petrol engine from the Brezza and Ertiga.
The Baleno is a premium hatchback from the Nexa branch of Maruti. It competes with Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo. The badge-engineered Toyota Glanza could also get an update soon, similar to the updated Baleno. We expect the prices of the higher variants to increase. Current prices of the Baleno start from Rs. 6.14 lakh and goes up to Rs. 9.66 lakh (ex-showroom).