One of India’s best-selling automakers, Maruti Suzuki, recently launched the all-new 2022 Baleno premium hatchback across the country. Meanwhile, parent company Suzuki confirmed that export markets like South Africa would get a more powerful engine on the Baleno. Currently, Maruti Suzuki offers the 2022 Baleno for India with a 1.2-litre petrol motor with a mild-hybrid system. However, Suzuki will offer a 1.5-litre, mild-hybrid K15B petrol engine on the Baleno sold in the South African market.
The India-Spec and Export versions of the Baleno retain the same design language along with the new exterior/interior changes. The premium hatchback now features redesigned, sweptback LED headlamps with integrated ‘NextTre’ LED DRLS and a ‘NexWave’ front grille. Along with dynamic 3D shoulder lines, the 2022 Baleno gets a reprofiled roofline and C-shaped taillights that feature integrated light clusters.
Additionally, the ‘New Age’ Baleno showcases restyled 16-inch alloy wheels with chrome details across the front and rear end. On the inside, both versions of the Baleno sports refreshed interiors with a 3D-styled cabin and new contoured seats. With a new wraparound dashboard and a flat-bottom steering wheel, the Baleno’s interior gets new AC controls with a multilayered layout.
As mentioned previously, the India-Spec Baleno gets a 1.2-litre, mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 89 PS and 113 Nm. On the other hand, the export version gets a new 1.5-litre, mild-hybrid petrol with 104 PS and 138 Nm. The two versions, despite the different engines, also get the same 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT transmissions as options. Meanwhile, both versions get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, driver/co-driver seat belt reminders, and rear parking sensors as standard.
Top-spec versions of the 2022 Baleno get a new 9-inch, SmartPlay+ touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the premium hatchback gets a segment-first heads-up that provides crucial information for drivers and a 360-degree parking camera. The automaker has also ensured to equip the all-new Baleno with an ARKAMYS premium audio system with ‘Surround Sense’. Other features include connected car tech via the ‘Suzuki Connect’ app, voice assistance, and Amazon Alexa functionality on smartphones.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno gets ‘Elegrande’ & ‘Novo-Spirit’ accessory packs