The Baleno has been one of India’s best-selling premium hatchbacks for years. The second generation came in 2022, and on September 5, 2026, its facelift went on sale at an introductory Rs 6.10 lakh. Maruti did more than change the face this time. The engine is new, the feature list has grown teeth, and a few things have trickled down from cars that cost a segment more.
What is new, in one quick list
- New 1.2-litre Z Series petrol engine, borrowed from the Swift
- Level 2 ADAS safety suite
- Ventilated front seats, whose true value reveals itself every May
- 10.1-inch touchscreen and an actively cooled wireless charger
- New grille, bumpers, alloy wheel design and colours
- A CNG-AMT combination, new to the Baleno
The engine: K Series out, Z Series in
The biggest change sits under the bonnet. The Baleno now runs the 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z Series petrol that debuted on the Swift, where it makes around 80bhp and 112Nm and has built a solid reputation for fuel economy. Gearbox options are a 5-speed manual and an AMT. The CNG-AMT pairing is the practical headline here. Until now, only the Altroz offered CNG with an automatic in this segment. For daily city commuters who want CNG savings without a clutch pedal, this is the variant to look at.
Features: an SUV-grade list in a hatchback
Level 2 ADAS brings adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking. On long highway runs the system genuinely reduces fatigue. The ventilated seats and the actively cooled wireless charger address two very Indian problems, sweaty backs and phones that overheat mid-charge and quietly stop charging. The cabin gets a new dual-tone theme and fresh upholstery.
Price and rivals
| Detail | Baleno facelift |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Rs 6.10 lakh (introductory) |
| Rivals | Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, Toyota Glanza |
| Engine | 1.2L Z Series petrol, CNG option |
| Gearboxes | 5MT / AMT, including CNG-AMT |
Against the i20, the Baleno’s pricing now looks aggressive. The Glanza is the Baleno’s twin anyway, so expect Toyota’s version of this facelift soon. For everything else arriving this month, see our full September 2026 launch list. Official variant-wise prices are on the Maruti Suzuki website.
FAQ: Baleno facelift 2026
What is the price of the new Baleno?
It starts at Rs 6.10 lakh, an introductory festive price. Early bookings lock the lower number.
Does the new Baleno get ADAS?
Yes, Level 2 ADAS. That is a first at this price point in the Maruti lineup.
Should I buy the old Baleno stock instead?
Dealers discount outgoing stock once a facelift lands. If ADAS and the new features do not matter to you, the old stock can be a genuinely good deal. Check the manufacturing date before you sign.
Why does the CNG-AMT combination matter?
You get CNG running costs with automatic convenience. For daily traffic duty, that pairing is hard to argue with.