Maruti Suzuki has introduced its most premium hatchback Baleno in a new avatar. The starting ex-showroom price of 2026 Maruti Baleno has been kept at ₹ 6.10 lakh. This update is not just cosmetic but has brought major changes in powertrain, safety and features. The old 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine has now been replaced by a new Z-series three-cylinder unit. Level-2 ADAS is available for the first time in the segment, which puts Baleno ahead in terms of safety.
The look of the front has changed in the exterior, facilities like ventilated seats and wireless charger with cooling have been added inside. Mileage has also become better than before. This update makes Baleno stronger against its competitors like Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz. Let us know about 5 major changes in the new Baleno.
design update
The front end of the new Baleno has been completely changed. The large grille comes with a three-dimensional pattern and horizontal chrome elements. Suzuki logo has now shifted above the grill. A new sculpted bumper, revised lower grille and chrome fender garnish have been added. The design of LED fog lamp is also new. Shark-fin antenna and new Enigmatic Teal color option are available. There is not much change in the side profile and rear, the 16-inch alloy wheels and taillights remain almost the same. Overall, the front presence has become stronger and more premium than before.
What did the company say?
Introducing the spectacular new Baleno, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Baleno has been a sure pillar for the NEXA and premium hatchback segment over the course of a decade. The spectacular new Baleno now resets customer expectations with the introduction of segment-first features including Level 2 ADAS and an unmistakable new identity established with the modern look of the signature NEXWave grille. Here to define. The ‘Dare to Go Glam’ philosophy of the luxurious new Baleno is built around today’s ambitious, young customers who dare to challenge norms and express their individuality in an unexpectedly original way.
Cabin and new features
The dashboard layout of the cabin remains almost the same, but the new features will now give a better experience. For the first time in the segment, ventilated front seats are available, which come with leatherette upholstery. The wireless smartphone charger has an active cooling function, due to which the phone does not heat up. Clarion branded sound system (Arkamis tuning) has been added. Features like 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, head-up display and automatic climate control continue. These upgrades add everyday convenience and premium feel.
Segment-First Level-2 ADAS
The most important upgrade is Level-2 ADAS, which has come for the first time in a car in this segment. This radar and camera based system is available on the top Alpha (O) variant. It has features like Advanced Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist and Vehicle Sway Warning. Six airbags, ESC, hill hold and TPMS are standard.
New 1.2 liter 3 cylinder engine
The old K12N four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a new 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder unit. It is also used in Swift and Dezire. Power is 82.93 PS (about 83 HP) and torque is 112.4 Nm. Dual VVT and idle start-stop technology is present. Transmission has 5-speed manual or AMT options. CNG version is also available, in which power is 70 HP and torque is 102 Nm. The engine is lighter and more efficient.
increased mileage
There has been a clear improvement in mileage due to the new engine and technology. The ARAI claimed mileage in the petrol manual version is 23.80 kmpl, which is about 6.4 percent more than the previous model. In the AMT version it reaches 24.77 kmpl (about 7.9 percent improvement). CNG has a claimed mileage of 33.61 km per kg, which is about 9.8 percent better. Despite low power, better efficiency will help in reducing daily running costs. These 5 major changes make the new Baleno much better than before.
