Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The shape and stance of the 2022 Baleno remain the same, although it gets all-new body panels with a wider and flatter bonnet and a bigger grille. There is a sizable chrome element now at the bottom of the grille, while the lower bumper looks more sculpted with new LED fog lamps as well. The new LED headlamps are the biggest differentiator from the previous version, with the signature NEXA three-block DRLs (daytime running lamps). These are wider at the bottom, while sweeping into the fenders in front like the earlier model. The nose of the car looks wider and more balanced and the same design play is visible at the back, with the LED tail lights flowing into the tailgate.

The rear bumper is on the taller side, giving you a comparatively higher luggage loading lip. The boot space is however impressive at 318 litres. There is generous chrome treatment with strips under the windows while the 16-inch dual-tone precision-cut alloys look the part. The car is slightly lower and shorter now, although this is hardly noticeable. All said and done, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno continues to be a looker.

The interiors have undergone a transformation in the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno with a soothing dashboard layout, using dark grey and blue elements, with hints of piano black and light grey here and there. The flat-bottom steering has a sportier touch to it, and may have been sourced from the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The analogue dials are user-friendly and get the job done perfectly. The new touch screen infotainment unit of 9 inches is a smooth touch while some design components look to be inspired by premier models. These include the speaker grilles which are clearly Audi-inspired, and the BMW like central air conditioning vents.

The interiors are high on the quality index, with a neat leatherette steering wheel, nice elbow rests, and high-quality plastics. There are backlit and toggle-like air conditioning controls. However, the knitted roof liner is a slight downer in the entire package. The door pockets are generously sized and so is the glovebox. There is good central console storage with large cup holders and even a small bin tucked under the armrest.

The seats feel nice with the front seats offering great shoulder and lateral support. The seats offer more softness and comfort, especially at the rear, along with great lateral and under-thigh support alike. Space is great at the back while tall passengers can enjoy more headroom as well. The rear armrest feels like a miss here. However, rear AC Vents and a couple of USB ports are good additions, while the front gets the standard charging USB and a 12V power socket.

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno gets the 9 inch touch screen infotainment system which is a step-up from the past. It offers the SmartPlay Pro+ setup for the top-end Alpha model, while the lower variants have the 7 inch touch screen unit. The Zeta unit has more SmartPlay Pro software applications, while the Delta variant has the older SmartPlay Studio interface. The Pro+ applications are updated with connected car technologies via a partner application, voice commands, Amazon Alexa integration, and more. There is an Arkamys six-speaker audio unit with several presets and more. The 360-degree camera is a segment-first addition, along with the HUD (heads-up display).

There is automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, automatic-folding mirrors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, color MID and trip computer, and rear wash and wiper, along with keyless entry, and cruise control. A cooled glovebox, tyre pressure indicator, sunroof, wireless phone charging, and the sunroof are key misses here.

The Baleno uses a new avatar of the K12C petrol engine that is now known as the K12N. This does not keep the mild-hybrid setup, but makes the same 90 HP and 113 Nm of maximum torque. The CVT automatic option is no longer there, with the new 5-speed AMT being brought into the mix. This has enhanced fuel economy to the claimed 22.94 kmpl, while lowering overall emissions as well. The K12N is a peppy engine, although the mid-range is slightly weaker right before you hit 2000 RPM.

However, maintain your revs, and it springs back into action around the 4000 RPM mark. City cruising is also fine at lower revs. Refinement is high for the engine and the five-speed manual gets the hydraulic clutch. The gearbox is smooth and the throws feel nice. Going back to AMT from CVT does feel like a step back with regard to the overall smoothness of the car. However, the AMT works neatly with minimal hesitation levels.