Maruti is aiming to get the next-generation Baleno a 4-Star NCAP score. The upcoming car is being built on a strengthened platform.
The next version of the Maruti Baleno is one of the most-awaited cars of 2022. The hot-selling hatchback is all set to get a comprehensive facelift. This includes an optional 1.5-ltr K-series petrol engine from Brezza (with exactly the same specs!). Additionally, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is now working hard to get a good safety score. The 2022 Maruti Baleno Facelift will feature a strengthened platform. The company hopes that it will help the upcoming cat get a 4-Star NCAP Score. This will be a huge improvement over the zero-star score of the current model.
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The Maruti Suzuki Baleno with two airbags achieved zero stars safety rating. This is quite disappointing, especially in front of its rival Tata Altroz, which received 5-stars in the Global NCAP crash test. The car received adult occupant protection with a total score of 16.13 points (out of a total of 17 points) and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection, with a total score of 29.00 points out of a total of 49 points. On the other hand, the Baleno offers poor safety performance in adult and child occupant protection. It achieved 20.03 percent in adult occupant box, 17.06 percent in child occupant box, 64.06 percent in pedestrian protection and vulnerable road user box, and 6.98 percent in safety assist box.
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The company will have to work hard to bring the upcoming facelift to market standards set by its competition. Priced at Rs 5.99 – Rs 9.45 lakh (ex-showroom), it will compete against the likes of Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz, and the Tata Altroz. Several details of the next-generation Maruti Baleno have already been revealed. To increase safety, the compact car is said to come with a strengthened platform. The spacious car is expected to get better quality of the material for interiors as well. On the outside, it will feature a larger and wider grille (extending into the headlamp assembly). The rear panel also gets a reprofiled rear bumper. Overall, the hatchback features a wider central air intake on the front and looks a lot sharper than the current curvy version.
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The 2022 Maruti Baleno Facelift will be powered by a 1.2-litre K-series engine. However, the top-end Alpha trim will sport a 1.5-liter K-Series petrol engine option (seen on Maruti Vitara Brezza) that produces 103bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. It will be paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed torque-converter automatic transmission with Smart Hybrid technology. The current version comes with a 83bhp 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine which comes with a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic gearboxes.
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Additionally, the 2022 Maruti Baleno Facelift is said to feature an all-new dashboard with a layered design and a 9-inch free-standing touchscreen. The new infotainment system will come with an on-board SIM for a suite of connected car features (real-time tracking, intrusion detection, tow away alert, find your car, geofencing, etc). Additional features will include cruise control, automated headlamps, automated wipers, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a new instrument cluster, a revised MID, new switchgear for the climate controls, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and sleeker AC vents (positioned horizontally below the infotainment screen).
Also read: 2022 Maruti Baleno Facelift to Get 1.5-ltr Engine from Brezza
