2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Launch in February

Maruti will launch the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno in February according to reports. The new Baleno will be the first among a slew of launches planned by Maruti Suzuki this year. The Baleno car has been the highest selling premium hatchback in India, and received its mid-life facelift in 2019. The new Baleno will now get a completely refreshed exterior and interior, how-ever it will remain unchanged mechanically from the current model.There have been spy shots all over the internet of the new Baleno and test mules too have been spied recently.

Here are notable changes in the 2022 Baleno:

Exterior Design:

The 2022 Baleno facelift gets an all-new front fascia with a larger and wider grille which integrates into the headlights. The headlights are completely new having wraparound design and new LED DRLs which makes the car look sensual. The new front bumper too looks sharper and gets a sleeker central air intake and new design for the fog lamp housings. Over-all the front is more squarish which makes it look wider and mature then the earlier curvy design.

From the sides, the new Baleno gets a new chrome garnish around the window glass that curves upwards at the rear quarter glass. It also gets newly designed rear doors and fenders as the same thing goes on in the rear with the profile more-wider with new L-shaped tail lamp design and a new design for the bumper too.

Interior Design:

The major changes are to be seen in the interiors with a layered dash design having horizontal AC vents, a free standing, larger touchscreen infotainment unit offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A new instrument cluster with a new digital MID and new connected car features are expected with the material quality to be improved too while the steering will be borrowed from the Swift making the cabin feel fresh and modern.According to reports this will be the first Maruti car to get the new infotainment system which was seen on the all-new S-Cross launched overseas last year. This system will get a SIM for the connected car features like geo fencing, vehicle alerts and much more. The cabin of the Baleno will continue to be spacious like the current model but quality levels will improve massively over the outgoing model.

Engine and Transmissions:

The engines in the new Baleno will remain un-changed, with the 1.2L petrol units continuing to do service due to them being frugal and economic. Maruti may give the Baleno a stronger mild-hybrid system for added fuel efficiency while the transmission options will remain the same- a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

Price and Rivals:

The current Maruti Baleno price is Rs. 5.99 lakhs for the base variant and goes upto Rs. 9.45 lakhs for the Baleno top model, but the new model is expected to be priced at a premium with a price range of Rs. 6.5-11 lakhs.The 2022 Baleno will continue to rival the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo in the premium hatchback segment, with Maruti Suzuki expecting to maintain the lead over the rivals.

Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Cars:

Maruti Suzuki had a quiet 2021 and had only one launch in the Celerio but the largest car maker in India is prepping for a big 2022 as it looks to consolidate its position at the top. The company will update nearly all its models this year with all-new Alto, Vitara Brezza and the much-awaited Jimny and many more upcoming models in 2022.