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Maruti Suzuki is currently working on a facelift for one of its popular hatchbacks, the Baleno. The test mules have been spotted testing multiple times, and we have seen several videos and pictures online that give us a hint about how the upcoming Baleno facelift might look.

The official launch of the Baleno facelift is expected to take place in the first week of September, and before the official launch, there are reports suggesting that Maruti might finally offer a CNG automatic version of the Baleno.

While Maruti has one of the largest factory-fitted CNG line-ups in the country, it does not currently offer an AMT or automatic transmission with its CNG models. With the new update, it looks like Maruti is planning to rectify this.

The Baleno facelift will get a new or revised front fascia with an updated bumper design and grille. It is possible that Maruti might offer a connecting LED bar or a chrome strip that divides the grille into two while also acting as an extension of the LED DRLs. The overall silhouette and design of the hatchback are likely to remain the same as the current version. We expect to see new 16-inch alloy wheels, while the rear could receive minor cosmetic upgrades to give it a fresh look. The tail lamp design is unlikely to see any major changes.

On the inside, the upcoming Maruti Baleno facelift is expected to get a new interior theme with a slightly revised dashboard design and layout. Maruti will continue to offer existing features like a HUD, 360-degree camera and more. However, with the facelift, Maruti is expected to offer additional features such as seat ventilation, an electric sunroof, a larger infotainment screen, a wireless phone charger, an improved speaker setup and more.

It will also offer a host of safety features, including parking sensors, a reverse camera, ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, six airbags and more. The engine of the Baleno facelift is likely to remain the same as the outgoing model. It will use a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates 90 PS and 113 Nm of torque. This engine is available with a manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

As per the latest reports, the CNG version of the updated Baleno will be offered with an AMT gearbox option. This would be a good move from Maruti because the demand for automatic cars in the Indian market has been rising steadily, and many of Maruti’s rivals, such as Tata Motors, are already offering this combination.

The CNG-AMT combination would make sense for many buyers in cities like Delhi, where they are often stuck in traffic jams. This would allow them to drive comfortably without worrying too much about fuel efficiency. The current Baleno CNG uses the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, but it has been detuned for better efficiency. In the CNG version, the engine generates 77.5 PS and 98.5 Nm of torque.

Maruti is also working on series-hybrid technology based on the new Z12E engine. This hybrid technology will debut in the Fronx first and will gradually make its way to other models, including the Baleno, in the future.

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