The Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift has been caught testing in India. Expect a new grille, updated interior, and possible Z-Series engine by late 2026.
By Divyam Dubey

The facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno has been spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time, and it looks like the premium hatchback is finally getting the update it has needed for a while. The current second-generation Baleno arrived in 2022, but rivals like the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz have already moved ahead with fresher styling and more features. Even under heavy camouflage, the test mule reveals enough to show that Maruti Suzuki is working on a sharper front-end design, updated cabin tech, and possibly even a new engine option for the Baleno later this year in India.
Up front, the changes are easy to spot. The current V-shaped grille seems to have made way for a wider rectangular unit with a cleaner look. The familiar projector LED headlamps and the three-dot DRL signature remain, which is no surprise since they have become a big part of the Nexa design language. The bumper also looks reworked, with winglet-style inserts and a narrow central air dam. Interestingly, the fog lamps seen on the current Baleno were missing on this test car, although that could change on the final production model.

From the side, the Baleno facelift does not look very different from the outgoing version. The test mule was seen running on the same 16-inch alloy wheels as the current Zeta trim, though a fresh alloy design is likely before launch. At the rear, things stay familiar with the same tailgate shape and overall silhouette. Maruti is expected to tweak the rear bumper and update the tail lamp internals to make the hatchback look more modern without changing too much.
The cabin appears to stick with the same basic layout as the current car, but there could be some useful upgrades. The dashboard, touchscreen, AC vents, and steering wheel all look familiar. However, Maruti is expected to improve the seat upholstery, cabin materials, and feature list. The facelifted Baleno could borrow from the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, including a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and Dolby Atmos audio. On top of that, additional features such as wireless charging and a 360-degree camera could also be introduced.
Under the bonnet, there are still a few possibilities. Maruti could bring in the new Z-Series 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Maruti Suzuki Dzire, or it could continue with the current 1.2-litre petrol motor. There is also talk of the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Maruti Suzuki Fronx making its way into the Baleno line-up. A CNG version is expected to stay as well.
Also Read: Top Maruti Suzuki CNG Cars in 2025: Swift, Dzire, Brezza, Victoris and More
The Baleno facelift is expected to make its debut by late 2026, with sales likely to commence in early 2027. It will continue to take on the Toyota Glanza, Hyundai i20, and Tata Altroz.