2022 Baleno Facelift Overview

After ruling the Indian premium hatchback segment for many years in a row, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno made way for its facelifted successor on February 23, 2022. The launch of the Baleno’s facelifted version was received with much excitement and appreciation. But while the new Baleno resembles its predecessor in many ways, it is, in fact, a completely different vehicle.

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno features an updated exterior complete with new body panels, front fascia, and front and rear lights. The interiors weren’t ignored either; step inside the car and what you find is a revamped cabin with a fairly modern, premium feel and finish to it. Let’s take a deeper look.

2022 Baleno Exterior

At first glance you will notice just how much wider the new Baleno looks compared to its predecessor. The hood has lost its curvy character to a more flattened and lean architecture adorned with two sharp creases. The new Baleno’s fascia is now bolder thanks to the new grille and new headlamps. The grille has a thick chrome garnish that merges with the new head lamps that have new signature 3-block DRLs in them. The bumper below is also new and features a more sculpted look with larger fog lamp housings.

Now, you might not notice much difference on the side profile, but there are a few bits such as the chrome belt on the window line and a new alloy design that distinguish the new Baleno from the old. The new Baleno retains the original ground clearance of 170 mm and 15-inch wheels.

The rear of the Baleno is sharper than before and elements like the C-shaped tail lights with the signature three block LEDs, a chrome strip below the rear windshield along with a newly styled rear bumper give the Baleno a whole new look.

The new Baleno looks strikingly similar to its old version, but the design aesthetics have gone up a notch considering the materials used in the structure. The new Baleno might not turn heads but its popularity will surely go up.

Exterior Key Highlights

• New headlamps and DRLs
• New grille and bumper design
• New 15-inch alloy wheels
• New C-shaped tail lights

2022 Baleno Interior

While the Baleno’s exteriors have received a fairly elaborate retouch, it’s the interior where you will notice the ‘newness’ of the new Baleno. Step foot inside the Baleno and the entire cabin feels distinctly  plush and premium. The 3-layered dash stands out immediately with its black, blue and silver finish that has a classy fit and finish. Taking the center stage is the brand new – and rather huge 9-inch infotainment display that occupies the center of the dash and looks a class apart.

Below the display you will notice the C-shaped air vents that add to the Baleno’s premium finish. The analogue instrument console looks crisp and sharp; another new addition to the instrument console is the Heads-Up Display that comes to life when you start the car. You can tweak its settings so that it  displays what you want to see. The HUD is also clear and sharp and doesn’t interfere with the windshield view.

The most compelling feature of the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno are the new seats that are softer, larger and offer more shoulder and side support. The rear legroom hasn’t been changed much, which means it’s as spacious as earlier and can accommodate three adults comfortably. Overall you will notice new tidbits like rear AC vents, fast charging ports, sliding armrest and many cubby spaces to store your stuff. The new Baleno also gets cruise control, so your long drives become blissful, on the flipside the premium hatchback doesn’t come with a sunroof.

Interior Key Highlights

• Head Up Display
• 360 degree camera
• Rear AC Vents
• Rear Fast Charging Hubs
• Cruise Control
• Colored Multi Information Display

2022 Baleno Engine, Performance, & Safety Overview

The engine too has its share of upgrades – the Maruti Baleno now features a new 1.2-litre K12N engine borrowed from the Swift that pumps out 88.5 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque. The hybrid system has been let go of along with the CVT transmission in favour of a frugal 5-speed AMT gearbox along with 5-speed manual transmission. The inclusion of an AMT transmission is expected to improve the mileage figures for the Baleno.

The new Baleno comes with an idle start stop (ISS) function that cuts off the engine when the car comes to a halt, such as a traffic light and restarts the engine when you press the brake in an AMT or when you push the clutch in a manual transmission. Claimed mileage figures for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno AMT is 22.94 kmpl while for the manual it is 22.35 kmpl.

The Baleno also features major safety upgrades that include inclusion of up to six airbags, an all new revised and stronger chassis, speed alert system, safety belt reminder, Electronic Stability Control with hill-hold and ABS with EBD. Other upgrades include a 360-degree view camera, rear parking sensors and brake assist.

2022 Baleno Engine, Performance, & Safety Key Highlights

2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Price

From a price point of view the new Baleno is more expensive than the outgoing variant, but for the features and upgrades over the previous one the new Baleno is a value for money proposition.

Used Maruti Suzuki Baleno Price

While the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes with a host of new features, the outgoing Baleno still offers exceptionally good value. One major advantage of the older premium hatchback is the presence of the CVT transmission on the automatic variants. At a lower cost, the older Maruti Suzuki Baleno CVT automatic appears to be a better choice.

2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alternatives

Hyundai i20

The Hyundai i20 is perhaps the biggest rival to the new Baleno and with its sporty character and styling it does command a presence. The Hyundai i20 features three engines and two kinds of automatic transmissions the DCT and iMT which make it a powerful opponent to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The Hyundai i20 is priced between Rs.6.98 lakhs to Rs.11.47 lakhs.

Features of Hyundai i20

• 3 Engine Options
• 3 Transmission Options
• Stylish sporty design
• Ambient lighting
• Electric sunroof
• Air purifier
• Up to 6 airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Assist Control

Tata Altroz

The Altroz is a premium hatchback offering from the Tata stable and in addition to being a car with an unconventional Tata design, the Altroz scores full marks on safety. The Altroz too features three powertrains options, but it comes only with a manual transmission. The Altroz is priced between Rs.6.00 lakhs to Rs.10.00 lakhs.

Features of Tata Altroz

• 5-star safety rating
• ABS with Brake Sway Control and Electronic Brakeforce DIstribution
• Corner Stability Control
• Dual Front Airbags
• Reverse Parking Camera
• iTyre Pressure Monitoring System

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is a popular hatchback from the Japanese carmaker, a premium car, the Jazz has a classy and proportionate design that offers comfort and loads of space. The Jazz features a petrol engine that comes with a manual transmission and a smooth CVT transmission.

Features of Honda Jazz

• Electric Sunroof
• Temperature Display
• Fuel Economy Display
• CVT Transmission
• Lane Change Indicator
• 7.0-inch touchscreen display
• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Multi Rear View Camera
• Rear sensors