The new-age Baleno has arrived, and it’s beyond bold!
Maruti Suzuki NEXA has introduced the 2022 Baleno in an advance premium avatar with a technology leap and looks that are meaner than ever, raising the stakes in the Indian premium hatchback market. The new Baleno is likely to be an even tougher rival to the existing Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, Tata Altroz, and Volkswagen Polo along with the upcoming Toyota Glanza and Citroen C3 in the premium hatchback segment.
Coming a long way from its launch in 2015 and a facelift in 2019, the 2022 Baleno goes beyond its bold, masculine character, transforming into an advanced premium hatchback driven by technology. It’s a full model generation change with a complete overhaul of the previous Baleno. Featuring exterior and interior makeovers and significant technological upgrades, it looks more stylish and sharper and feels plusher and premium than its predecessors.
Driven by Tech
The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno comes loaded with technologies that are a first in the premium hatchback segment. Check out some of the most impressive ones:
- Head Up Display (HUD): In a first for premium hatchbacks, the new Baleno comes with Head Up Display, a feature usually offered in premium automobiles. All the information, from speed, RPM, fuel economy, AC functions, and warning notifications, is displayed in your line of sight on a screen. The driver doesn’t need to take their eyes off the road, which makes the drive much safer. The display can be adjusted for brightness and angle as per the seating position.
- 360 View Camera: The new Baleno is also the first premium hatchback in India to have the 360-degree parking camera. The multiple view modes (3 each for front and back) allow you to park the car comfortably in tight spots and give 3D views around the vehicle, with the Approaching Object Detection (AOD) automatically notifying you of the surroundings. The steering-based dynamic gridlines further assist in easy parking.
More tech-loaded features:
- 22.86 CM HD SmartplayPro+: The infotainment package in the new Baleno offers an elevated sensory experience for your different moods. The new SmartPlayPro+ features a 9-inch HD touchscreen display with intuitive user interface, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, Advanced Voice Assist, and premium sound tuning, Surround Sense powered by ARKAMYS.
- Next-Generation Suzuki Connect: With the advanced Suzuki Connect, you are the car, and the car is you, whether you’re driving or away. The technology gives better safety and peace of mind, allowing you to remotely access the lights, doors, alarm, and engine immobilizer and monitor battery health in real time. It offers insights into trips and driving behaviour and is compatibility with Alexa Skill and Smartwatch, ensuring a connected car experience.
Car of Tomorrow
The design has been transformed for tomorrow, and the new-age Baleno comes across a leaner, meaner machine with artful exteriors and interiors. The exterior boasts the characteristic liquid flow design and dynamic stance, complemented by a premium looking fascia and NEXWave Grille with an accentuated chrome strip. NEXTre’ LED DRls are an add-on to the LED projector headlamps, with combination (split) lights in the rear. New 16″ precision cut alloy wheels enhance the side view.
The interior looks premium and sculpted, with plush seats and a host of comfort and convenience-centric features. Rear AC and rear USB charging ports (both A and C type) are available.
The car comes equipped with cruise control along with improved safety, with features such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP Hill Hold Control, which helps in starting to move uphill by applying the brakes for a couple of seconds even after brake pedal release.
Other Specs
The 2022 Baleno is powered by Advanced 1.2L K series Dualjet, Dual VVT Petrol engine generating 66KW power and 113Nm Torque, which comes paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (5AGS). The idle start/stop feature improves fuel efficiency and cuts emission by shutting down the engine during a halt, starting again when the clutch is engaged in manual transmission and the brake in automatic transmission.
The 2022 Baleno is available in six new colours: NEXA Blue, Opulent Red, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Luxe Beige, and Arctic White. NEXA Blue, the signature shade of NEXA cars, has also been transformed into the new NEXA Blue. The new shade is getting rave reviews all around, with its deep hues making the Baleno’s fluid design even more glamorous.
