Maruti Baleno

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The 2026 Baleno facelift swaps the outgoing K12N four-cylinder engine for Maruti's newer Z12E 1,197 cc three-cylinder unit — the same mill found in the Swift and Dzire. In petrol form it produces 82.93 PS (61 kW) at 5,700 rpm and 112.4 Nm at 4,500 rpm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT. ARAI-certified mileage is 23.80 km/l for the MT and 24.77 km/l for the AMT — both figures are improvements over the pre-facelift car's 22.35 km/l (MT) and 22.94 km/l (AMT).

The S-CNG variant uses the same Z12E engine with Maruti's dual-ECU intelligent injection system and integrated wire harnesses. In CNG mode it makes 69.75 PS and 101.8 Nm at 2,900 rpm; in petrol (gas) mode it reverts to the full 82.93 PS and 112.4 Nm. The CNG tank holds 55 litres (water equivalent) and the certified efficiency is 33.61 km/kg — making it one of the most economical factory-fitted CNG hatchbacks available. CNG is offered only with the 5-speed manual; no automatic option exists for CNG buyers. The petrol tank is 37 litres across all petrol variants.

Running costs are a strong suit. At current CNG pump prices, the Zeta CNG MT at ₹8.92 lakh offers a compelling total cost of ownership for high-mileage urban commuters. Idle Start-Stop is standard on every variant — both petrol and CNG — further trimming fuel bills in stop-and-go traffic.

Performance and drive

The Z12E three-cylinder is tuned for efficiency over outright performance, and the power figure of 82.93 PS is 7 PS lower than the old K12N four-cylinder. Autocar India's first-drive report noted the engine feels slightly soft below 2,000 rpm but finds a second wind around 4,000 rpm, making it best suited to relaxed urban and highway cruising rather than spirited driving. The kerb weight of 950–985 kg (petrol MT) keeps the power-to-weight ratio reasonable for the segment.

The 5-speed AMT (branded Auto Gear Shift or AGS) replaces the outgoing CVT. Maruti's rationale is better fuel efficiency and lower cost, and the AMT does deliver on the efficiency front. Gear changes are deliberate rather than seamless, which is typical of AMT units, but the system is well-suited to city use. The manual gearbox has a light, precise shift action consistent with Maruti's small-car heritage.

Suspension is MacPherson strut up front and a torsion beam at the rear — a setup that prioritises ride comfort and packaging efficiency. The electric rack-and-pinion steering is light and accurate. Sigma and Delta variants ride on 185/65 R15 tyres on steel wheels; Zeta, Alpha, and Alpha(O) get 195/55 R16 alloys. The turning radius of 4.85 m is manageable in city traffic.

Cabin, space, and tech

The Baleno's cabin is one of its strongest selling points. The 22.86 cm (9-inch) SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen — standard from Zeta upward — supports wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Surround Sense audio powered by ARKAMYS. The 'Hi Suzuki' voice assistant supports barge-in commands, meaning you don't need to wait for a prompt. Alpha and Alpha(O) variants add a Head Up Display, a Clarion premium sound system, and front ventilated seats — a segment-first feature at this price. The 360-degree camera arrives on Alpha and above, while the wireless charging dock with active cooling is available from Zeta onward.

Automatic climate control is fitted from Zeta upward; Sigma and Delta make do with manual AC. Rear AC vents are standard from Delta onward. Leatherette seat upholstery is offered on Alpha and above, with fabric on lower trims. The 60:40 split rear seat is standard across the range, adding practicality when boot space needs to be extended beyond the 318-litre VDA figure. Suzuki Connect telematics — controllable via phone, smartwatch, or Alexa — is available from Zeta upward on a subscription basis.

Dimensions are 3,990 mm long, 1,745 mm wide, and 1,530 mm tall on a 2,520 mm wheelbase, giving the Baleno a compact footprint that's easy to park while still offering adequate rear legroom for two adults. Seven exterior colours are available, including the new Enigmatic Teal Green exclusive to the facelift.

Safety and ADAS

Six airbags are standard on every single variant of the 2026 Baleno — a meaningful upgrade and a genuine differentiator at the entry price of ₹5.99 lakh. All variants also get ABS with EBD, ESP with Hill Hold Assist, reverse parking sensors, 3-point ELR seat belts for all occupants, seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters, ISOFIX anchorages, Emergency Stop Signal, and High Speed Alert. TPMS is fitted from Delta upward; the rear-view camera arrives on Zeta and above.

The Alpha(O) variant adds a full Level 2 ADAS suite using a monocular camera and millimetre-wave radar. Functions include Adaptive Cruise Control with Curve Speed Reduction, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) for cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists in both preceding and crossing scenarios, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Sway Warning, and High Beam Assist. This is a notable segment achievement — Level 2 ADAS at under ₹10 lakh. The Baleno has received a 4-Star Bharat NCAP rating.

Variants and pricing

The 2026 Baleno is offered in four trim levels — Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha (with an Alpha(O) sub-variant) — across eleven variants. Ex-showroom prices as of 10 September 2026:

Variant	Petrol MT	Petrol AMT	CNG MT
Sigma	₹5.99 lakh	—	—
Delta	₹7.00 lakh	₹7.50 lakh	₹7.92 lakh
Zeta	₹8.00 lakh	₹8.50 lakh	₹8.92 lakh
Alpha	₹9.10 lakh	₹9.60 lakh	—
Alpha(O)	₹9.50 lakh	₹9.99 lakh	—

The AMT premium is a consistent ₹50,000 over the equivalent MT variant. CNG adds ₹92,000 over the petrol MT. ADAS (Level 2) is exclusive to Alpha(O); buyers wanting the full safety suite must budget ₹9.50–9.99 lakh.

How it compares

The Baleno's closest rivals are the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Toyota Glanza. The Glanza is mechanically identical to the pre-facelift Baleno and is expected to receive its own update; until then, the 2026 Baleno's Z12E engine and ADAS suite give it a clear advantage. The i20 offers a turbocharged petrol option and a sunroof — two things the Baleno doesn't get — but the Baleno counters with superior certified mileage, a lower starting price, and the factory CNG option. The Altroz offers a diesel engine (unavailable in the Baleno) and a stronger Bharat NCAP score on its top variants, but lacks ADAS at any price point. The Baleno's Nexa dealership experience and Maruti's 4,000+ service touchpoints remain a practical advantage for buyers outside metro cities.

Who should buy it

The Maruti Baleno is the right choice for buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency, low running costs, and a wide service network above all else. The Sigma MT at ₹5.99 lakh is one of the most affordable five-airbag hatchbacks in India, making it a strong value pick for first-time buyers. The Delta CNG MT at ₹7.92 lakh is ideal for high-mileage urban commuters — the 33.61 km/kg efficiency translates to dramatically lower per-kilometre costs. The Alpha(O) AMT at ₹9.99 lakh is for buyers who want the most feature-loaded, tech-forward hatchback under ₹10 lakh, with Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, HUD, and a 360-degree camera. Buyers who want a sunroof, a turbocharged engine, or a diesel option should look elsewhere.