Suzuki, the Japanese automaker re-introduced the Baleno nameplate in 2015. This premium hatchback is the production version of the Suzuki iK-2 concept, which was previewed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The production avatar of the hatchback was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, India was the first market for this product. Maruti had launched the Baleno hatchback in the country in October 2015, while the vehicle was put on sale in Japan and European markets in 2016. Previous reports claimed that the Japanese automaker will launch the updated model in Q2, 2018. However, latest report suggests that the 2018 Maruti Baleno facelift will first go on sale in India in Q1, 2019, followed by Japan and other markets.
This model will be launched to keep the sales momentum, as the next-generation Maruti Suzuki Baleno will come in 2021. Like the S-Cross facelift, the 2018 Maruti Baleno could get a thoroughly revised front fascia. It is expected to ge a new prominent grille, revised headlamps and bumper. Other design changes could include new tail lights, new body graphics, new alloy-wheels and roof-mounted spoiler. It could also get an upgraded SmartPlay infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The biggest change is expected to be offer under the bonnet. It is expected that the Baleno facelift will ditch the Fiat sourced 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine to make way for Suzuki’s new in-house developed 1.5-litre oil burner. This powertrain will also power the upcoming Ciaz facelift and new generation Ertiga. The 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine is sourced from Fiat, which will be phased out once BS VI emission norms kick in. The other two engines will remain unchanged – 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol. The global model will get the same 1.4-litre petrol and 1.2-litre petrol engines. Transmission options will include a five-speed manual and a CVT automatic. Also Read – Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Cars In India
Maruti Baleno Review
2018 Maruti Baleno Facelift Launch Date
Media reports claim that the new Baleno facelift will go on sale in India in Q1, 2018. However, Maruti is yet to reveal the exact launch date of the car. Like the current model, the facelifted model will first go on sale in India, followed by Japan and other European markets.
2018 Maruti Baleno Price
| Minimum | Rs 5.5 Lakh |
| Maximum | Rs 9 Lakh |
With added features and new in-car tech, the new Baleno is expected to cost slightly more than the current car. While the current car is priced between Rs 5.26 lakh and Rs 8.43 lakh, the updated model could cost around Rs 5.5 lakh for base model and 9 lakh for the top-end model.
2018 Maruti Baleno Facelift Specifications
| Engine | 1.2-liter VVT petrol & 1.0L Boosterjet |
| Maximum Power | 84bhp @ 6,000 rpm / 100.5bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 115 Nm @ 4,000 rpm / 150Nm |
| Engine | 1.5-liter diesel |
| Maximum Power | NA |
| Maximum Torque | NA |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual & CVT |
Engine setup for the upcoming 2018 Maruti Baleno facelift will include the same 1.2-litre K-Series, DOHC petrol and an all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine is capable of producing 83bhp of power at 6,000rpm and 115Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Instead of Fiat’s sourced 1.3L MJD unit, the oil burner will get in-house developed more powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine. This engine is likely to produce close to 100bhp of power. Five-speed manual gearbox driving the power to the front wheels will come as standard. There will be CVT gearbox on offer with petrol version only. The diesel engine could be fitted to an AMT gearbox.
The RS version will get the existing 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine that is tuned to offer 100.5bhp of power and 150Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels of the car via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
2018 Maruti Baleno Mileage
| Variant | Mileage |
| Petrol | 21.4kmpl |
| Diesel | 27.39kmpl |
The current Baleno is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the country, and in fact is leading the table in the premium hatchback segment. It is expected that the new Baleno will carry the same mileage numbers. The current car returns 21.4kmpl and 27.39kmpl in petrol and diesel respectively. In fact, the Baleno RS hot hatch is claimed to have an ARAI certified fuel economy of 21.1kmpl.
2018 Maruti Baleno Other Details
Competition
With updated cabin and re-styled exterior, the new Baleno will lock horns with the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo and the Honda Jazz. Additionally, Tata is also working on a premium hatchback, codenamed X451, which is likely to come in late 2018 or early 2019.
Dimensions
| Length (mm) | 3995 |
| Width (mm) | 1745 |
| Height(mm) | 1500 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2520 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 170 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 880 (petrol) – 970 (diesel) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Boot Space | 339-litre |
| Turning radius | 4.9 metre |
| Fuel capacity | 37-litres |
Dimensionally, the 2018 Maruti Baleno facelift is expected to remain the same. It measures 3,995mm in length, 1,745mm in width and 1,500mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,520mm. This premium hatchback has a ground clearance of 170mm, and offers a boot space of 339-litres.
Suspension System
Front – McPherson strut
Rear – Torsion beam
Key Features
New 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Multi-functional steering wheel
Automatic AC
Remote keyless entry
Push start/stop with smart key
Roof mounted spoiler
New alloy wheels
New grille
Reverse parking camera
Automatic headlamps
ABS with EBD and brake assist
Dual airbags
2018 Maruti Baleno Exterior and Interior
The overall silhouette and profile of the Baleno hatchback is expected to remain the same. Like the new Suzuki S-Cross, the updated hatch could get an all-new front fascia. It is likely to get a new prominent front grille with chrome treatment, slightly revised headlights and a re-profiled bumper. Besides, the hatchback is expected to get new taillight graphics, roof mounted spoiler and revised rear bumper. The company could offer newly designed alloy wheels.
The cabin of the car is also likely to receive slight changes in the form of new upholstery for seats and other body parts and new interior colour scheme. It could also get an updated Smartplay infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a revised MID.
New Maruti Swift Vs Baleno – Comparison
