The 2019 Maruti Baleno will receive a mid-cycle facelift with cosmetic changes and additional equipment.
Maruti Suzuki entered the premium hatchback segment with the Baleno in 2015. The Baleno, like most Maruti products, has been a sales success. The car recently achieved the half-a-million sales milestone in a record period of 38 months, making it the fastest car in the segment to do so. The Baleno has been in production for three years and to continue the sales success, Maruti has decided to give the premium hatchback a mid-life makeover.
The 2019 Maruti Baleno will get cosmetic changes to enhance the car’s design. As one can see from the spy-shot, the large hatchback will get an all-new, more accentuated design to the bumpers and wider ‘U’ shaped grille. Unlike the current car which features projector headlamps only on the top-spec Alpha trim, the new car will get the feature even on the lower variants as seen with the new Ertiga which follows the same norm. The facelifted model will also come with smoke-effect headlamps which are also found on the sportier Baleno RS. We expect subtle yet effective changes to the rear and to the alloy wheel design.
The interior too will receive subtle updates. More features including a larger touch-screen infotainment system and a new instrument cluster are likely to be offered. The updated model will also get new upholstery and better quality materials.
Maruti will seize this opportunity to enhance the car’s safety for the upcoming crash norms. Speed sensing auto door lock and impact sensing auto door unlock along with high-speed warning are some of the additional safety features which are expected.
Mechanically the Maruti Baleno will remain unchanged. The new Baleno will be based on the Heartect platform and will come with the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel powerplants. Gearbox will be the same standard 5-speed manual and an optional CVT on the petrol version. The new Baleno is likely to be about Rs. 22,000/- more expensive than the current version. The updated model will take on the likes of the Honda Jazz, Hyundai Elite i20 and the upcoming Tata 45X. The launch is expected later this month.
2019 Maruti Baleno
– The new Baleno will receive minor cosmetic changes
– Additional equipment and changes on the inside are also expected
– Remains mechanically unchanged with the same set of engines
Spy Image Source – GaadiWaadi.com
