A report earlier
this year stated that the launch of the facelifted Maruti Baleno would take
place by Q1 2019 (January-March 2019). According to a new report from CarDekho,
the new model will arrive by June 2019.
The Maruti Baleno
turned three years old just last week. The premium hatchback is on course to
receive design refreshes, new equipment and some significant mechanical changes
with the facelift. The updated model should feature remodelled bumpers, tweaked
front grille and 16-inch alloy wheels in a fresh pattern. LED headlamps will
replace the HID headlamps.
Changes on the
inside may include enhancements to the 4.2-inch colour MID and the 7-inch
Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system, new upholstery and the addition of
cruise control. Rear parking sensors, speed alert system and driver and
co-driver SBR will become a part of the standard safety equipment. Dual-front
airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child-seat anchorages are already standard.
As for the
mechanical changes, the K12M 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine that comes paired with
a 5-speed manual transmission may remain as is, but the D13A 1.3-litre DDiS 190
diesel engine, also linked to a 5-speed manual transmission, could get replaced
by the all-new E15A 1.5-litre diesel engine, if it is ready by that time. The
new engine could come coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. The former
could be made BS6-compliant during the update.
The Maruti Baleno
was initially launched for a starting price of INR 4.99 lakh*. Now, the prices
start at INR 5.38 lakh*. With the improvements brought by the minor model
change, the starting price may reach INR 5.50 lakh*. The Toyota-badged version
with a different front & rear fascia is expected follow in the second half
of 2019.
