New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki has expanded the 2026 Baleno lineup with a new CNG-AMT powertrain, giving buyers the option of an automatic transmission with the factory-fitted S-CNG system for the first time in the premium hatchback.
The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG AMT is priced from ₹8.32 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in the Delta and Zeta variants. It uses the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine as the existing CNG version, paired with a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).
The addition comes shortly after the launch of the 2026 Baleno facelift and expands Maruti Suzuki’s S-CNG portfolio with an automatic transmission option.
Baleno CNG AMT price
The new CNG-AMT configuration is available in two variants.
| Variant | Powertrain | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|---|
| Baleno Delta CNG AMT | 1.2-litre CNG + 5-speed AMT | ₹8.32 lakh |
| Baleno Zeta CNG AMT | 1.2-litre CNG + 5-speed AMT | ₹9.32 lakh |
The CNG-AMT version commands a premium over the corresponding CNG-manual variants.
Maruti Suzuki has positioned the new version for customers who want the running-cost advantages of CNG but prefer the convenience of an automatic-style transmission, particularly for city driving.
Baleno CNG AMT mileage
One of the main highlights of the new model is its claimed fuel efficiency.
The Baleno CNG AMT returns 34.47 km/kg, according to Maruti Suzuki’s claimed figures. This is slightly higher than the 33.61 km/kg claimed for the CNG-manual version of the 2026 Baleno.
The CNG-AMT therefore combines the fuel-efficiency focus of Maruti Suzuki’s S-CNG technology with the convenience of an automated manual gearbox.
Actual mileage will vary depending on traffic conditions, driving style, vehicle load and the use of air conditioning.
Engine and transmission details
The new Baleno CNG AMT uses Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder engine.
In CNG mode, the engine produces 70 hp and 102 Nm of torque. The powertrain is paired with a five-speed AMT.
The same Z12E engine is also used in the petrol versions of the facelifted Baleno, where it produces 83 hp and 112 Nm.
For the petrol Baleno, Maruti Suzuki offers both a five-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS), with claimed efficiencies of 23.80 km/l and 24.77 km/l respectively.
CNG tank remains inside the boot
Unlike some newer Maruti Suzuki models, the Baleno CNG does not use an underbody-mounted CNG tank.
The CNG cylinder continues to be positioned inside the boot along with the spare wheel. As a result, luggage space is significantly restricted when compared with the petrol version.
The packaging is an important consideration for buyers who regularly use the Baleno for long-distance travel or require substantial boot space.
The CNG system is factory-fitted and forms part of Maruti Suzuki’s S-CNG range.
2026 Baleno gets new engine and ADAS
The CNG-AMT launch follows the introduction of the updated 2026 Baleno.
The facelift brought a new design, updated features and the Z12E three-cylinder petrol engine. Maruti Suzuki has also introduced Level 2 ADAS with a radar-and-camera combination on the top-spec Alpha (O) variant.
The top-end model also gets ventilated front seats with leatherette upholstery.
Other upgrades include a refreshed front design, updated grille and Suzuki Connect connected-car technology with more than 40 features covering vehicle safety, security, trip information, driving behaviour, alerts and remote operations.
2026 Maruti Baleno petrol prices
The 2026 Baleno is available in several petrol and CNG configurations.
According to the variant-wise pricing released by Maruti Suzuki, the Baleno petrol range starts at around ₹5.99 lakh, while the top Alpha (O) AMT variant is priced at ₹9.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
The petrol-AMT versions are available with a five-speed automated manual transmission.
The CNG range was previously available with a manual transmission, but the addition of AMT gives buyers another choice.
Baleno CNG AMT rivals Tata Altroz
The introduction of the CNG-AMT option places the Baleno in a relatively small group of cars offering an automatic transmission with a factory-fitted CNG system.
The Tata Altroz is another model available with a CNG-AMT combination. The new Baleno therefore expands competition in the premium hatchback segment for buyers specifically looking for CNG and automatic transmission together.
The Baleno continues to compete with models such as the Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza in the premium hatchback segment.
Maruti expands automatic CNG portfolio
The Baleno CNG AMT launch is part of a wider expansion of Maruti Suzuki’s automatic S-CNG portfolio.
The company has also introduced CNG-AMT versions of the Swift and Dzire. With the three models, Maruti Suzuki is combining its factory-fitted CNG technology with automated manual transmissions across multiple segments.
The company has positioned the move under its ‘Auto Green Mission’, aimed at offering automatic driving convenience alongside the fuel-efficiency benefits associated with CNG.
The Swift S-CNG AMT has a claimed efficiency of 35.34 km/kg, while the Dzire S-CNG AMT is claimed to return 36.47 km/kg. The Baleno CNG AMT’s claimed figure stands at 34.47 km/kg.
Baleno CNG AMT targets city buyers
The new powertrain is particularly aimed at buyers who spend considerable time driving in congested urban conditions but still want to use CNG.
With an AMT, drivers do not need to operate a conventional clutch pedal manually, which can make stop-and-go traffic less demanding.
At the same time, the factory-fitted CNG system allows buyers to use compressed natural gas as the primary fuel, subject to the availability of CNG infrastructure in their area.
The new option therefore gives Baleno customers another combination of price, fuel type and transmission to choose from.