The 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno has received a much-needed mid-cycle update. The updated hatchback was recently launched at Rs. 7.20 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). It is available in five trims: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha and Alpha (O) (new). While we wait for the 2026 Baleno’s variant-wise prices, here’s a look at what all has changed on it, compared to the outgoing model.Attention Readers! Join us on our WhatsApp Community for daily auto news updates.
New Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Design Changes Explained
The design updates on the 2026 Baleno are not major. However, they are enough to make the car stand out when compared to the outgoing model. The biggest visual change comes at the front, which features a new, extended triple-slat 3-D pattern grille (which integrates the ADAS radar) and a revised bumper with new fog lamp housing. Other additions, such as the chrome front fender garnish, a shark-fin antenna, and the Suzuki logo now set above the front grille, complete the exterior changes. Inside, the 2026 Baleno offers new two-tone leatherette upholstery. There are no structural/design changes to the dashboard. Among its seven colour options, a new ‘Enigmatic Teal’ shade has been introduced.
Powertrain Changes Explained
The 2026 Baleno has ditched the outgoing 1.2-litre four-cylinder K12N Dualjet NA petrol engine (89 bhp & 113 Nm of torque). It has switched to the newer 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E NA petrol engine, which is already used in the Swift and Dzire.
The Z12E unit develops 82 bhp and 112.4 Nm of torque, a few horses less than the four-cylinder engine. Like before, the updated Baleno is also available with Maruti’s S-CNG tech. In CNG mode, the output is rated at 68.8 bhp and 101.8 Nm of torque. Interestingly, the new CNG output figures are lower in power but higher in torque than before. The five-speed manual and AMT gearboxes remain unchanged. This time, we were expecting Maruti to launch an automatic CNG version, but it did not happen.
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New Maruti Suzuki Baleno: Feature Changes Explained
The other big changes on the 2026 Baleno are on the features front. For 2026, the Baleno gets a couple of new premium features to upgrade its premium quotient. The list includes a new Clarion sound system, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, and a cooled wireless smartphone charging pad. Features like the 9-inch infotainment screen, a 360° surround-view camera, a head-up display, and wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, all-LED lighting, rear AC vents, and fast-charging USB ports have been carried over.
Safety Upgrade
Maruti launched the 2026 Baleno with Level-2 ADAS, reportedly a segment-first offering. The ADAS suite includes crucial features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, advanced emergency braking, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Other safety features, such as six airbags (standard across all variants), rear parking sensors, ESP with Hill-Hold Assist, Suzuki Connect, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, are carried over.
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New Maruti Suzuki Baleno Rivals
The 2026 Baleno is a substantial facelift and not just a cosmetic update. With this update, the Baleno now has a stronger footing to compete with its old rivals – the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and the Toyota Glanza.