Maruti Suzuki has introduced the updated Baleno in India with prices starting at Rs. 6.10 lakh, ex-showroom. The facelift brings minor exterior revisions, additional equipment and a new petrol powertrain, while also introducing a CNG-AMT option to the premium hatchback.

The Baleno facelift is now powered by Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Z Series three-cylinder petrol engine, which is also used in models such as the Swift and Dzire. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and an AMT gearbox.

For the first time, the Baleno’s factory-fitted CNG setup can also be paired with the AMT transmission. This makes it only the second model in its segment, after the Tata Altroz, to offer a CNG-AMT combination.

Baleno Facelift: What has changed?

The styling updates remain relatively restrained. At the front, the Baleno gets a larger grille featuring black horizontal slats, while the existing headlamp and tail-lamp designs have been retained.

The front and rear bumpers have received subtle revisions, including redesigned fog-lamp housings. The 16-inch alloy wheels now feature a new design, while a shark-fin antenna has also been added.

The hatchback's dimensions remain unchanged. It continues to measure 3,990mm in length and has a 2,520mm wheelbase.

Maruti Suzuki has also expanded the colour options with the addition of a new Enigmatic Teal shade.

The overall dashboard layout remains familiar, with the updated Baleno continuing to feature a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a semi-digital instrument cluster.

Among the notable additions are ventilated front seats, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Level 2 ADAS-based safety features.

The Baleno also retains several features from the outgoing model, including a height-adjustable driver's seat, wireless charging, head-up display, automatic climate control and a 360-degree camera.

New petrol engine and CNG-AMT option

The biggest mechanical change comes in the form of the 1.2-litre Z Series three-cylinder petrol engine. The unit is offered with either a five-speed manual or an AMT transmission.

The same engine is available with a factory-fitted CNG kit. The addition of the AMT option to the CNG version is a significant change for the Baleno, giving buyers an alternative to the conventional manual CNG setup.

With the update, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno continues to compete in India's premium hatchback segment against the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20.

The combination of a new petrol engine, additional safety technology and the newly introduced CNG-AMT option gives Maruti Suzuki several new talking points as it looks to strengthen the Baleno's position in the segment.