In the second half of December 2018, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) revised its FY sales forecast to 8 percent, down from a double digit growth projection. The Indian auto industry has endured a tough year and dealt high interest rates, and increased insurance cost, alongwith fuel price fluctuations, and more.
MSIL is geared up for new launches at the very start of 2019. This includes the WagonR, launched earlier this week. Maruti Suzuki India reports Q3 FY2019 sales are down 0.6 percent at 428,643 units sold in India. In the July to December period, the company posted two consecutive quarters wherein profits have dipped. At the end of 2018, only a single launch was expected from MSIL at the start of 2019, but the company is now geared up to launch the Baleno facelift.
With bookings underway for Maruti Baleno facelift, vehicles are now being dispatched to dealerships. With launch expected by this week, bookings are now being accepted for 11k. The A2 segment sedan has been a bestseller for the company, and sprucing it, targets sales momentum.
2019 Maruti Baleno facelift features a redesigned front bumper, and lower lip. The tapered front mesh 3D graphic grille design looks devoid of gaps owing to slants, and is enclosed in a lower chrome strip that stretches to the headlamps. Top trims (Delta and Alpha) feature chrome door handles, and dual tone (silver-black) precision cut alloy-wheels. LED projector headlamps have been introduced. The front air dam ends in tapered form, and has an additional vertical slat. The fog lamp pods are redesigned, and have been placed further out than the outgoing model.
Safety features include dual airbags, child seat restrain system (ISOFIX), pre-tensioner and force limiter seat belts and ABS with EBD as standard. Additional safety features should include a speed alert system, co-driver seat belt reminder and rear parking assist sensors.
On the inside, new Baleno will wear dual-tone upholstery (black and blue). The restyled info system and centre console gets a mild update, as seen on the WagonR. In its newest rendition, 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is available on 6 colour options – Pearl Phoenix Red, Nexa Blue, Metallic Premium Silver, Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Arctic White, and Premium Autumn Orange.
Engines are expected to be carried over. The1.2-litre, 4-cyl petrol engine returns max power output of 83 BHP and 115 Nm of torque. The 1.3-litre, 4-cyl diesel engine returns max power of 74 BHP and 190 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties will be retained by the 5-speed manual gearbox and CVT. Even the Baleno RS with 1 liter Boosterjet engine will get updated.
