Baleno is among the best selling cars in Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio. It is now getting ready for a facelift, which is coming to showrooms in a few days. Official bookings are now open for 2019 Maruti Baleno for Rs 11,000.
This will be the first major update for Baleno, which was launched in 2016. With its bold and stylish design, Baleno already has a sizable fan following. With the new updates, it will improve its overall appeal and dynamism and probably make things tougher for rivals such as Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo in premium hatchback segment.
2019 Maruti Baleno will improve upon its premium-ness and come with class-leading features. Baleno facelift is a lot sportier and makes an aggressive stance with its new bow-shaped grille and front bumpers. Alloy wheels have been updated with a new design that complements its stylish profile. Interiors have also been revamped with changes in seat fabric. Dashboard now features an updated SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system.
Maruti Baleno already has a comprehensive list of safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, pretensioner and force limiter seat belts and ISOFIX anchorages. 2019 Baleno will add more safety features to this list such as speed alert system, rear parking assist sensors, and co-driver seat belt reminder.
However, facelift Baleno won’t be getting an engine upgrade. It will continue using the same 1.2 litre petrol and 1.3 litre diesel engine. Petrol engine delivers 83 bhp and 115 Nm, whereas diesel engine makes 74 bhp and 190 Nm. Petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT unit whereas diesel engine has 5-speed manual transmission only.
As per stats released by Maruti Suzuki, Baleno has registered 14% growth (Y-O-Y) in the first three quarters of 2018-19. It holds the record of fastest 5 lakh sales in just 38 months. Cumulative sales are now in excess of 5.2 lakh units and market share in A2+ segment is over 26%.
Exiting Baleno is priced in the range of Rs 5.38 lakh to Rs 8.49 lakh. 2019 Baleno could be priced a little higher, as it comes with various upgrades and new safety features.
