The Maruti Baleno facelift is set to hit Indian showrooms on September 5, offering a fresh power unit and upgraded equipment for buyers in the mass‑market segment.
Updated hatchback arrives with new power unit and features
The premium hatchback will be equipped with a 1.2‑litre, three‑cylinder Z Series petrol motor sourced from the Swift and Dzire. It delivers 80 bhp of peak power and 112 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a five‑speed manual or a five‑speed automated manual gearbox.
A CNG‑AMT combination will also be offered, making the model the second in its class to receive this configuration after the Tata Altroz. Inside, ventilated front seats and an ADAS suite are added, while the cabin gets a dual‑tone theme and new seat upholstery.
The exterior gets a redesigned grille, fresh front and rear bumpers, new alloy wheels and a revised colour palette. These changes aim to keep the car competitive as newer rivals arrive.
Key figures: 1.2‑litre engine, 80 bhp, 112 Nm, five‑speed manual, five‑speed AMT, CNG‑AMT option.
The facelift model’s interior feels oddly spacious for its size, a small quirk that some drivers might appreciate.
Related: Tata sales rise 56% August 67,000 units
Turbocharged MPV expands lineup before month’s end
The French brand confirmed that a turbo‑charged version of its seven‑seat MPV will launch before September closes, sitting above the existing 1.0‑litre naturally aspirated three‑cylinder unit that makes 71 bhp and 96 Nm. The new power unit is a 1.0‑litre turbo petrol motor, delivering 99 bhp and 160 Nm, similar to the Kiger Turbo and derived from the larger 1.3‑litre HR13 found in the Duster.
The turbo MPV will be offered with a five‑speed manual transmission only, according to the filing. A factory‑spec CNG option is also planned, with dual cylinders placed beneath the floor to preserve boot space.
Speculation suggests that the turbo‑CNG variant could appear alongside the petrol model, echoing the approach taken with the Kiger. If that happens, the configuration would likely mirror the one being readied for the compact SUV.
Analysts note that adding a turbocharged option could help the MPV retain its appeal as competition intensifies in the segment. The move also aligns with the brand’s broader effort to broaden its portfolio with higher‑performance choices.
While the new versions bring notable upgrades, it remains to be seen how quickly consumers will adopt them given price sensitivity and the current economic climate.
For more background on the manufacturers, see the Maruti Suzuki and Renault Wikipedia pages.
