The facelifted Maruti Baleno was spied on the production line a few days ago, and now Maruti dealers have started accepting bookings for the same. The new Baleno will be produced at Maruti’s Gujarat plant, and its launch will be the first launch in a while for the brand’s premium “Nexa” moniker.
The most visible change between the current and upcoming model will be on the outside, with the new model getting updated and more aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, new headlights and a larger grille. The base bodyshell looks to have largely remained the same though, which indicates that this will likely just be a mid-life rejig to boost sales for the car.
There is talk of a new dashboard design, with the old and dated Maruti dashboard being replaced with a refreshed and modernised infotainment system, which will feature the usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the infotainment system is said to be free-standing instead of being integrated. 6 airbags might also come as standard on the higher variants and possibly ESP as well.
As for the oomph, the power unit will likely remain the same as in the current model. However, there is a possibility that an AMT variant could be offered alongside the standard 5-speed manual instead of the CVT sold in the current car. Being a more premium hatchback, it will rival the likes of the i20 and the Tata Altroz which will certainly give it tough competition.
Pricing is also unknown at the moment, but there’s an obvious understanding that it will be offered at a slight premium compared to the current model’s starting price of Rs 6.14 lakhs. Let’s wait for the inevitable February reveal date to roll around, and see the car in its true glory!
