Few now remember that the original Maruti Suzuki Baleno was a sedan, which was first launched 1998. It was reasonably well-liked and even had some success on the rally circuit. And due to its 1.6 litre petrol engine and lightweight body, it became a preferred choice for extensive modifications and performance tuning for many auto enthusiasts. And even today, especially in South India, you can see some really nicely modified Maruti Baleno’s. In 2002, Maruti also made an estate or station wagon version of it called the Altura, but unfortunately it was not too successful. In 2007, Maruti discontinued the Baleno sedan and replaced it with the more modern and somewhat radical SX4.

But Maruti did not let the Baleno brand name die or fade away, and in October 2015, it was reborn as a premium hatchback and sold through the Nexa outlets of Maruti. And since then, the cumulative total sales (domestic and exports) of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback have crossed 2.25 million (22.5 Lakh) units. Just in India, Maruti has sold over 19 lakh (1.9 million) Baleno’s so far, and soon they will cross the 20 lakh landmark. But it will be with the new facelifted Baleno that I drove last weekend on the outskirts of Bangalore.

The monthly sales of the Maruti Baleno hatchback ever since it was launched average around 15,000 a month and to do this consistently for almost 11 years, is a huge and praiseworthy achievement. Especially in a market like ours, which is not only demanding and competitive, but has also significantly shifted its preferences from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs.

In the last decade we have also seen the growth of compact and sub-4 metre SUVs that have substantially succeeded in drawing buyers away from hatchbacks.  In such a scenario, for the Maruti Baleno to successfully battle the “SUV Wave” is truly laudable, and after driving the new facelifted one, I can tell you that Maruti does not appear to be in a mood to lift its foot off the Baleno’s accelerator anytime soon.

Like with most facelifts, it’s the front of the Maruti Baleno that has the maximum changes. The new grille is both wider and taller with 3 very prominent chrome slats. The more rounded bumper also houses new rectangular fog lights that look nice. But the grille, well it’s a bit too in your face for my liking. I am sure enough people will appreciate the flash, but personally, I prefer the earlier grille that in my opinion was more elegant.

There are some other minor changes in the exterior like the chrome garnish on the side, and so on. But surprisingly, the biggest change is under the bonnet. Yes, the facelifted Maruti Baleno comes with a new engine, the Z-Series one that also does duty in the Swift and Dzire. This 1.2 litre 3-cylinder engine, replaces the earlier 4-cylinder K-series engine. So, you obviously get 1 cylinder less and because like the outgoing one the new one is also naturally aspirated and does not have a turbo, the power output is lower with the Baleno’s 3-cylinder engine producing 82 bhp and 112 Nm of torque, compared to the earlier ones 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. As you can see, the torque is more or less the same, so low-end power delivery and drivability are not really affected. But with 7 fewer horses, this engine certainly feels less peppy and lacks the enthusiasm while overtaking, especially at higher speeds.

So why would Maruti drop a cylinder and change the engine? Well the new Z12E engine is cleaner and, in the future, it will be easier to comply with any more stringent emission norms. The other big benefit is the fuel efficiency. Though the new facelifted Baleno is about 30 kg heavier (petrol manual) than its predecessor, it is more fuel efficient (23.80 kmpl) than the earlier Baleno that delivered 22.35 kmpl. Of course, the AGS (auto gear shift) variant is even more efficient because its tuned for quicker upshifts and therefore it delivers 24.77 kmpl compared with the previous ones 22.94 kmpl. This is a substantial 8 percent increase in fuel efficiency, despite the new one weighing 990 kg – a full 50 kg more than its predecessor.

And though the AGS variant is more fuel economical and convenient to drive, especially in crowded city conditions, I prefer the 5- speed manual because it slots in precisely and the clutch also provides enough feel, despite being light. The 3-cylinder engine is smoother and more refined than expected too, and its only while idling or higher in the rev range that you can tell that it’s a 3-pot motor. The handling is, well, obedient with the Baleno changing direction as instructed. But its best not to expect razor sharp response or spider like grip, because at the end of the day, the Baleno is designed as a comfortable premium family hatchback, and it’s a role it plays quite pleasingly.

Actually, the thing I like most about the Maruti Baleno is its “Pleasant Nature and User Friendliness”, and fortunately this remains unchanged in the new facelifted Baleno. Step inside and you are greeted by the same familiar and friendly interior. Everything falls to hand easily and driving the Baleno is a breeze. It does not demand your attention and goes about its job of taking you to your destination unobtrusively, and with a good amount of comfort.

Yes, the other things I really like about the Baleno are its comfortable ride and its spacious and comfortable interior. And again, fortunately both these remain unchanged and can even be described as better, because the Baleno now comes with ventilated front seats, which are so useful in our generally warm weather.

The Maruti Baleno now also has level 2 ADAS with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and so on. It has things like a wireless phone charger with cooling fan too, and with the new facelifted Baleno attractively priced Rs 6.10 lakhs (festive offer we were told) onwards, it will surely continue to be popular and shall also successfully continue to “ Battle with SUVs’.

Most Photos- Bob Rupani