Maruti Suzuki launches new Baleno with Level 2 ADAS at Rs 6.09 lakh

MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki is giving its Baleno a safety-first makeover. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched the new Baleno with a refreshed design, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), ventilated front seats and an updated powertrain.

The premium hatchback is positioned around the theme ‘Dare to go Glam’ and is aimed at young urban customers. Bookings are now open for Rs 11,000, while prices start at Rs 6,09,900, ex-showroom Bengaluru.

The new Baleno gets an updated front fascia led by an all-new NEXWave grille. The wider grille features 3D patterns and horizontal chrome slats, while a redesigned front bumper and lower grille add to the car’s new look.

A new chrome-accented fender garnish, NEXTre’ LED daytime running lights and a shark-fin antenna complete the exterior changes.

The car is available in seven colour options, including a new Enigmatic Teal shade.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of Level 2 ADAS, which combines radar and camera technology to provide a range of driver assistance functions.

The system includes Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, Vehicle Sway Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

The new Baleno also comes with six airbags, Electronic Stability Program, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Hold Control, reverse parking sensors, three-point seat belts and seat-belt reminders.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System has also been introduced.

“ The Stunning New Baleno is now here to redefine customer expectations with the introduction of segment-first features including Level 2 ADAS,” Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer, marketing and sales, Partho Banerjee said.

He added that the new NEXWave grille gives the car a distinctive identity while the ‘Dare to go Glam’ philosophy is aimed at customers who want to express their individuality.

Inside, the Baleno gets a dual-tone cabin with piano-black inserts and plush leatherette upholstery.

The car introduces ventilated front seats, positioned as a segment-first feature, along with a Premium Sound System by Clarion and a Qi-certified wireless smartphone charger with active cooling.

Existing features such as a 360-degree camera and head-up display continue to be offered.

The dashboard houses a 22.86cm SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also gets Suzuki Connect, offering more than 40 connected features covering vehicle safety and security, trips, driving behaviour, alerts and remote operations.

The new Baleno is powered by Maruti Suzuki’s Z12E petrol engine, which produces 61kW of maximum power and 112.4Nm of peak torque.

The engine comes with Idle Start-Stop technology and Dual VVT and is offered with a five-speed manual transmission and Auto Gear Shift (AGS).

The manual version delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 23.80km per litre, while the AGS version returns 24.77km per litre. Maruti Suzuki says this represents improvements of 6.4 per cent and 7.9 per cent respectively over the outgoing model.

The Baleno S-CNG is also available with the Z12E engine and a five-speed manual gearbox, with a claimed efficiency of 33.61km per kg, an improvement of 9.8 per cent over its predecessor.

Customers can further personalise the new Baleno through two accessory packages.

The Elegrande Collection is designed around a more understated and sophisticated appearance, while the Novo-Spirit Collection focuses on a contemporary and more distinctive look.

With more safety technology, upgraded comfort features and improved efficiency, Maruti Suzuki is betting that the new Baleno can give its premium hatchback offering a fresh edge in an increasingly feature-heavy market.