Khyati Sharma 2026-09-06
Maruti Suzuki has introduced the 2026 Baleno facelift in India, bringing a sharper design, additional technology and a major powertrain update to its premium hatchback. The new Baleno starts at ₹6.10 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base Sigma petrol manual variant. The introductory price is around ₹20,000 higher than the outgoing model.
The facelift retains the familiar Baleno silhouette but receives meaningful upgrades inside the cabin and under the bonnet. The biggest additions include a new 1.2-litre Z-Series petrol engine, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated front seats, wireless charging and TPMS.
At launch, Maruti has revealed the starting price of the new Baleno, while prices for the higher variants are yet to be announced.
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma | 1.2L Petrol | 5MT | ₹6.10 lakh |
| Delta | 1.2L Petrol | MT/AMT | To be announced |
| Zeta | 1.2L Petrol | MT/AMT | To be announced |
| Alpha | 1.2L Petrol | MT/AMT | To be announced |
| CNG | 1.2L CNG | MT/AMT | To be announced |
All prices are ex-showroom and introductory.
One of the biggest changes is the replacement of the older K-Series petrol engine with Maruti's 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine. The same engine family is also used in the Swift and Dzire.
The petrol version produces 83 PS and 112 Nm, while the CNG version develops 70 PS and 102 Nm. Petrol buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT, while the CNG version is also available with an automatic transmission.
| Specification | Petrol | CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Z-Series, 3-cylinder | 1.2L Z-Series, 3-cylinder |
| Power | 83 PS | 70 PS |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT / 5AMT | 5MT / 5AMT |
| Claimed Efficiency | 23.80 kmpl MT / 24.77 kmpl AMT | 33.61 km/kg |
The 2026 Baleno facelift does not get an all-new body, but Maruti has refreshed its front-end styling. It now features a new grille and sharper bumper, along with revised projector LED headlamps and DRLs.
The side profile remains largely familiar, although the car gets updated alloy wheels and some additional exterior detailing. At the rear, changes are relatively subtle, with a revised bumper and shark-fin antenna.
A new Enigmatic Teal exterior colour has also been introduced.
| # | Month Year | Sales Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 2026 | 144,898 Units |
| 2 | July 2026 | 213,796 Units |
| 3 | June 2026 | 157,587 Units |
The cabin layout remains familiar, but Maruti has added several comfort-focused features. The biggest highlight is the availability of ventilated front seats, a feature that is being positioned as a segment-first addition.
The facelift also gets a wireless phone charger with active cooling and a premium Clarion sound system. Existing features such as the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, automatic climate control, cruise control and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay continue to be offered.
Safety technology is another major focus of the 2026 Baleno. The facelift introduces Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), giving the premium hatchback a significantly more advanced safety package.
The ADAS suite includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, high-beam assist and forward collision warning.
Other safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, TPMS and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. The Baleno has also previously achieved a four-star Bharat NCAP rating.
The facelift continues with the same basic dimensions, helping Maruti retain the Baleno's spacious cabin and familiar proportions.
| Dimension | 2026 Maruti Baleno |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,990 mm |
| Width | 1,745 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm |
| Height | Around 1,500–1,530 mm* |
| Segment | Premium Hatchback |
Height figures vary between published launch specifications; Maruti's overall exterior proportions remain largely unchanged.
The updated Baleno continues to compete in India's premium hatchback segment against the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza.
With its new engine, additional comfort equipment and Level 2 ADAS, the 2026 Baleno aims to strengthen its position among buyers looking for a feature-rich hatchback with relatively low running costs.
