2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift: Five big changes to expect

Maruti Suzuki India appears to be gearing up to launch the 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift in India soon. A camouflaged test mule of the updated Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been spotted on Indian roads, marking the first sighting of the upcoming facelift. The company introduced the second-generation Baleno back in 2022, and the new model will be based on the second-generation platform but will feature an all-new design, interior, added features, and enhanced safety. In this article, let’s take a look at five big changes to expect in the new 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno.

Design

In terms of design, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift could feature a revised front design with a slimmer grille and a chrome strip connecting the headlamps. The headlights appear unchanged, retaining projector LEDs and boomerang-shaped DRLs, while the fog lamps seen on the current model are absent on the test vehicle. In profile, the car continues with 16-inch alloy wheels similar to those on the Zeta variant. At the rear, the design remains largely unchanged, including wraparound LED tail lamps with pixel-style elements, a roof-mounted spoiler and a rear wiper. A revised rear bumper may be introduced as part of the update.


Interior

The interior seen on the test mule appears unchanged, with the same dashboard layout, trapezoidal AC vents, and a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with a three-spoke steering wheel. Changes are likely to be limited to updates in materials and finish, with a new interior theme and revised colour combinations expected to be introduced. Improved upholstery and upgraded material quality could also be offered as part of the update to keep the model competitive.

Features

In terms of features, the new Baleno will continue to get a free-standing Smartplay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support, semi-digital cluster, voice command support, 'Suzuki Connect' connected car tech, a heads-up display (HUD), 360-degree camera, auto-dimming IRVM, automatic climate control, automatic LED headlights and Arkamys sound system. Safety features in the Baleno include six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, ISOFIX anchors, ESC and hill hold assist. Additionally, the facelifted model is expected to get a single-pane sunroof and ambient lighting.

Powertrain

Talking about the powertrain, the outgoing model for reference is powered by a 1.2-litre Dual VVT NA petrol engine with 90hp and 113Nm, which comes paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT option. There's also a CNG option with 77.5hp, 98.5 Nm, and it comes paired with a manual gearbox only. The facelifted model is expected to get a new 1.2-litre,3-cylinder Z series petrol engine, which is only expected at this stage and has not been officially confirmed yet.
Variants and expected price

The new Baleno is expected to get four variants - Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. Prices are expected to begin from Rs 7.1 lakh (ex-showroom). The hatch rivals the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz.