Maruti Suzuki Baleno Spied testing

 A mid-cycle update (a refresh, not a completely new model). It is expected to launch in late 2026 (H2 2026). The main changes are to the front design, interior features, and possibly a new engine.

Quick Overview

Feature	Expected Details
Launch Date	Late 2026 (H2 2026)
Expected Price	₹6.80 Lakh – ₹9.50 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine	1.2L Z-Series 3-cylinder petrol (likely)
Transmission	5-speed Manual and 5-speed AMT
Fuel Options	Petrol, CNG (underbody tank possible)
Expected Mileage	~24-25 kmpl (petrol) / up to 30 kmpl with hybrid rumours
Safety	6 airbags (likely standard)
Rivals	Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz

Design Changes – What’s New Outside?

Spy photos show that the Baleno will get a meaner, sharper look.

Exterior Feature	Expected Change
Front Grille	Wider, sleeker, more prominent
Front Bumper	Completely new design with larger air intakes
Headlamps	Redesigned LED headlamps with new DRL signatures
Rear Lights	Slightly redesigned LED tail lamps; possible connected light bar effect
Alloy Wheels	Fresh 16-inch dual-tone design
Silhouette	Same as current model (as expected from a facelift)

The front end looks completely refreshed and way more premium . The side profile remains mostly the same .

Interior and Features – More Tech

The cabin will get a modern cockpit feel with new features.

Interior Feature	Expected
Touchscreen	Larger SmartPlay Pro+ screen (9-inch or above)
Digital Instrument Cluster	Fully digital display (likely on higher variants)
Wireless Charger	Yes (expected)
Ventilated Seats	Yes (front seats – expected)
Sunroof	Electric sunroof (finally!)
360-Degree Camera	Yes (expected)
Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto	Yes
Alexa Integration	Yes
ADAS	Rumoured (on top variants)
Upholstery	New options

The Baleno currently misses features like sunroof and wireless charging. The facelift is expected to add these to stay competitive against the i20 .

Engine and Performance – The Big Question

The biggest change might be under the bonnet.

Current Engine: 1.2L K-Series 4-cylinder (89 bhp, 113 Nm) 

Expected Engine: 1.2L Z-Series 3-cylinder 

Engine Option	Details
1.2L Z-Series Petrol	Same engine as new Swift and Dzire. Focuses on better mileage and low-end torque.
1.0L Turbo Petrol	Rumoured (from Fronx) – more power for enthusiasts
Strong Hybrid	Rumoured. Could deliver over 30 kmpl, but may come later
CNG	Expected with underbody tank (frees up boot space)

Why the Z-Series engine? It is more fuel-efficient. Maruti claims up to 25 kmpl on the Dzire with this engine. The Baleno may get similar numbers.

Safety – Aiming for 5 Stars

Safety Feature	Expected
Airbags	6 airbags (standard on all variants)
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)	Yes
Hill Hold Assist	Yes
ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts	Yes
Bharat NCAP Rating	Aims for 5-star (current model scored 4 stars)

Maruti has already added 6 airbags to the current Baleno. The facelift may improve the body structure with more high-tensile steel to get a 5-star rating.

Expected Price

Source	Estimated Ex-Showroom Price
Digit Insurance	₹6.80 Lakh onwards
CarHP	₹6.00 Lakh – ₹9.50 Lakh
ZigWheels	₹6.80 Lakh onwards
ASSS Online	₹7.50 Lakh – ₹10.30 Lakh

Expected Range: ₹6.80 Lakh – ₹9.50 Lakh (ex-showroom)

There may be a slight price hike of up to ₹50,000 over the current model .

Baleno Facelift vs Rivals

Model	Price (Approx.)	Engine	Key Features
Baleno Facelift	₹6.8 – 9.5 Lakh	1.2L 3-cyl	Sunroom, 360 cam, ventilated seats (expected)
Hyundai i20	₹6.99 – 11.53 Lakh	1.2L 4-cyl	Sunroof, Bose sound, 6 airbags
Tata Altroz	₹6.65 – 10.80 Lakh	1.2L 3-cyl	5-star safety, sunroof, diesel option

The Baleno facelift aims to match the i20 on features (sunroof, ventilated seats) while offering better mileage.

Baleno vs Glanza – Same Car, Different Badge

The Toyota Glanza is the same car as the Baleno. When the Baleno gets a facelift, the Glanza will also be updated at the same time .

Difference	Baleno	Glanza
Sold at	Nexa dealerships	Toyota dealerships
Warranty	2 years / 40,000 km	3 years / 1,00,000 km
Design	Slight styling differences	Slight styling differences