The Baleno facelift is powered by Maruti's 1,197cc Z12E naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the 90 hp K12N four-cylinder unit used by the outgoing car. It can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. 

This engine was introduced earlier on the Swift and Dzire, but the Baleno gets a specific tune aimed at improving low-end torque, producing 83 hp at 5,700 rpm and 112.4 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

The S-CNG version makes 70 hp and 102 Nm in CNG mode and is now also available with a 5-speed AMT alongside the 5-speed manual transmission.

The petrol manual Baleno has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure of 23.80 km/l, while the petrol AMT is rated at 24.77 km/l. 

The manual S-CNG version has a claimed efficiency of 33.61 km/kg, with the AMT claiming a higher 34.47 km/kg.

Idle Start Stop is standard across the lineup and is intended to help reduce fuel consumption in city driving.

The Baleno's dashboard design remains familiar, with a black and blue theme. The Zeta and above trims get a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an onboard voice assistant with barge-in wake-up functionality. 

The Delta trim gets a smaller 7-inch screen with the SmartPlay Pro system, though connectivity remains wireless.

The facelift adds several pieces of equipment higher up the range, including a head-up display, a wireless charging dock with active cooling, a 360-degree camera, and an auto-dimming IRVM. The Alpha also gets a Clarion premium sound system with tweeters. 

Suzuki Connect is available from the Zeta variant and adds functions such as remote door locking, hazard light operation, vehicle tracking, stolen vehicle alerts and Alexa voice connectivity.

Automatic climate control is also introduced from Zeta upward, while lower variants use manual air conditioning. This is a step down, since the pre-facelift Baleno offered it right from the base Sigma.

Ventilated front seats and leatherette upholstery are exclusive to the Alpha variant, while lower versions continue with fabric seats. Mid and higher variants get features such as a sliding front centre armrest, rear AC vents and a rear parcel shelf. 

The rear bench folds in a 60:40 split. Boot space stands at 318 litres.

The facelifted Baleno remains dimensionally unchanged from the outgoing model.

The front gets a much larger three-dimensional grille, though the LED projector headlamps and LED DRLs remain unchanged. The fog lamps are now rectangular instead of round, and get LEDs as well. 

The side profile remains untouched, with even the alloy wheels being carried over from the pre-facelift model. A shark fin antenna is the only noticeable addition. 

This story continues to the rear as well, with the car looking exactly identical to the outgoing model, with no changes to the bumper and taillights. A tailgate door spoiler is standard across the range.

A new Enigmatic Teal Green colour has been introduced, joining Nexa Blue, Opulent Red, Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey and Bluish Black.

The facelifted Baleno has not been tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP at the time of launch. The outgoing model with 6 airbags had received a 4-star rating from Bharat NCAP. Since the car has not undergone any structural or platform changes, it is expected to retain this rating.

Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with Hill Hold Assist, brake assist, seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and an emergency stop signal are standard across the range in the new model.

A reverse parking camera is included from Delta  variant, TPMS is now standard from the Zeta, while the top-end Alpha gets a 360-degree view camera. 

Level 2 ADAS has been introduced in the top-end Alpha (O) variant, making it a first in the premium hatchback segment.

The Baleno facelift continues to face competition from the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and its badge-engineered sibling, the Toyota Glanza.

The Hyundai i20 comes with a smooth 4-cylinder engine, also offers a turbo-petrol engine (in the N Line), and gets a more premium cabin. The Baleno's key advantages are its Level 2 ADAS package, fuel efficiency with the petrol manual, the option of a CNG, and Maruti's wider service network.

The Tata Altroz has the benefit of a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, giving it a confirmed structural safety record that the Baleno cannot claim at present. It is also the only hatchback not just in this segment, but in all of India, to still offer a diesel engine. The Baleno fights back with a wider equipment list, ADAS, and a service network with a peace of mind ownership experience that the Tata cannot match. 

Being mechanically identical cars, this Baleno facelift launch signals the imminent arrival of the updated Toyota Glanza as well. As of today, the current Glanza holds the four cylinder engine advantage over the Baleno, and Toyota's positive after-sales service reputation arguably even surpasses Maruti's, along with a better standard warranty as well. The Baleno gets access to NEXA's premium retail experience, a slightly wider choice of colours, and Maruti's significantly wider service network. 

On the product itself, however, there is very little separating the two. They are, for all practical purposes, the same car.

The 2026 Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is a smart, practical evolution of one of India’s most popular premium hatchbacks.

It successfully addresses key buyer demands with a new, more efficient and city friendly petrol engine, higher claimed mileage, six airbags as standard across the range, much more tech than before, and a segment-first Level 2 ADAS on the top Alpha(O) variant.

It continues to excel as a value-for-money daily driver with a wide variant spread and competitive pricing. Against rivals such as the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Toyota Glanza, the Baleno differentiates itself through its unique ADAS suite, more features at comparable prices, and Maruti's bulletproof nationwide service network.

The trade-offs are clear. The new three-cylinder is less refined and has a weaker top-end than the outgoing four-cylinder K12N at higher speeds, and peak power is modest. The exterior changes are largely limited to the front, and some desirable features remain restricted to the highest trims.

Overall, the Baleno remains an excellent all-rounder for buyers prioritising efficiency, equipment, low running costs, and everyday usability. Those seeking sharper dynamics, a more premium cabin feel, or proven five-star safety may still prefer the i20 or Altroz, but for the majority of premium hatchback shoppers, the Baleno continues to be a highly compelling and future-ready choice.