Maruti Suzuki has today opened bookings for the 2019 Baleno across the Nexa dealerships. The Baleno has been the premium hatchback offering from India’s largest car maker since its launch in 2016.
The Baleno has sold in big numbers with a staggering 14% growth in first nine months of 2018-19 over last year, Baleno holds the industry record of fastest 5 lac sales milestone within a record time of 38 months. With cumulative sales of over 5.2 lac units, Baleno holds over 26% of market share in the A2+ segment of country’s Automobile Industry.
The updated Baleno is expected to come with bolder styling which includes an refreshed grill, new design bolder front bumper, redesigned headlights with new DRLs, new design machine finished alloys, UV-Cut glass only on top end variant, refreshed interiors, latest generation SmartPlay touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto conectivity, new upholstery on the seats to name a few. Lower variants will get a new 2-DIN infotainment system with electrostatic touch buttons.
Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISFIX child seat mounts, high speed warning system and reverse parking sensors (standard).
On the technical front the 2019 Baleno will continue to be powered by the same engine options for both the petrol as well as the diesel derivatives. Power comes from the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines. While the 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 83 bhp and 115 Nm, the 1.3-litre diesel one churns out 74 bhp and 190 Nm. ThePetrol CVT variant will also be continued with the facelift. The Baleno RS which is the sports version of the car will also be mostly getting this facelift.
The 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno is expected to be launched this month end while deliveries are expected to begin soon after that. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno competes with the likes of Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz in its segment and Maruti Suzuki will want it to lead the segment.