2026 Maruti Baleno Facelift Is Here — And It Finally Gets a CNG Automatic
Maruti Suzuki has rolled out the updated Baleno, and the timing couldn’t be better for buyers who’ve been waiting. The premium hatchback gets a fresher face, a new engine, and a genuinely useful first for the brand: CNG paired with an automatic gearbox. Prices start at Rs 6.10 lakh, ex-showroom, making it an easy car to shortlist if you’re hunting in this segment right now.
A Familiar Shape With New Details
The overall silhouette of the Baleno hasn’t changed dramatically, but Maruti has reworked the front end with a wider grille, redesigned headlamps, and a fresh bumper. It’s a subtle update rather than a full redesign — enough to look current without confusing loyal Baleno buyers who already like the shape.
A New Engine Replaces the Old One
The biggest mechanical change sits under the bonnet. Maruti has dropped the older four-cylinder K12N engine in favour of a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder unit — the same Z-Series engine family used in the Swift and Dzire. It’s been tuned specifically for better low-end response in the Baleno, producing around 83hp and 112Nm. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual and a five-speed AMT automatic.
CNG Finally Gets an Automatic Option
This is arguably the standout update. The Baleno’s factory-fitted CNG version now comes with an AMT gearbox — a first for any Maruti Suzuki passenger car. Until now, CNG buyers in India were stuck with manual transmissions almost across the board, so this genuinely widens the car’s appeal for city drivers who want lower running costs without giving up an automatic. In CNG mode, output drops to roughly 70hp and 102Nm, which is normal for this type of setup.
Features That Actually Matter Day to Day
Inside, the cabin sticks with analogue dials rather than a fully digital instrument cluster, but there’s a colour display between them along with a head-up display. New for this update are a wireless phone charger with active cooling, a Clarion-branded sound system, and ventilated front seats — a genuinely welcome addition for anyone driving through an Indian summer. A sunroof and rear armrest are still missing, which some buyers in this segment will notice.
Safety Gets a Genuine Boost
Maruti has added a Level 2 ADAS suite to the Baleno — something none of its direct rivals currently offer. That includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and high-beam assist. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a new tyre-pressure monitoring system round out the safety kit.
Price and Variants
The 2026 Baleno facelift is offered across Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha trims, with prices running from Rs 6.10 lakh up to roughly Rs 9.37 lakh, ex-showroom. Bookings are open now through NEXA dealerships and Maruti’s online sales channel.
FAQ
Does the new Baleno get a turbo-petrol engine?
No. Maruti has stuck with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine rather than introducing a turbo option.
Is the CNG version available with an automatic gearbox?
Yes — this is the first Maruti Suzuki car to offer CNG with an AMT automatic transmission.
Does the Baleno facelift come with a sunroof?
No, a sunroof is still not offered, even with this update.
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