New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki has launched the facelifted 2026 Baleno in India with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 6.10 lakh. The premium hatchback gets a new three-cylinder petrol engine, updated equipment and advanced driver assistance technology, while the variant line-up continues to span from the entry-level Sigma to the top-spec Alpha Optional.

Sold through Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa retail network, the updated Baleno receives relatively limited exterior changes, but the mechanical and feature upgrades are more substantial. The biggest change is the introduction of Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine, while a factory-fitted CNG option is also available on selected variants.

2026 Maruti Baleno: Engine and transmission

The new Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Z-Series petrol engine that produces 82 PS and 112 Nm of torque. It can be paired with either a manual transmission or an automated manual transmission (AMT). The engine is shared with the latest Swift and forms one of the key changes in the facelifted Baleno.

Maruti Suzuki is also offering a factory-fitted CNG option. The CNG powertrain is available with the Delta and Zeta variants according to the variant-wise information released with the launch.

The company has positioned the new powertrain as part of the Baleno’s updated package, with the focus remaining on efficiency and everyday usability in the premium hatchback segment.

Sigma variant: Entry-level Baleno

The Sigma is the entry-level variant and is priced at Rs 6.10 lakh ex-showroom. It is offered only with the manual gearbox.

Despite being the base version, the Sigma gets six airbags as standard along with features such as a 60:40 split rear seat, remote keyless entry, power windows, rear defogger, gear-shift indicator, manual air-conditioning and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

On the outside, the Sigma gets steel wheels, halogen headlamps, a roof spoiler, shark-fin antenna and black door handles.

Delta variant: More convenience features

The Delta sits above the Sigma and is available with manual, AMT and CNG powertrain options. Maruti Suzuki has not announced the full ex-showroom price of the Delta variant yet.

Compared with the Sigma, the Delta adds body-coloured door handles, turn indicators integrated into the ORVMs and a chrome grille.

Inside, it gets a front centre armrest, rear AC vents, rear charging ports with Type-A and Type-C connections and a rear parcel tray. The infotainment system is upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Zeta variant: More technology and comfort

The Zeta is available with manual, AMT and CNG options. It adds several convenience and exterior upgrades over the Delta.

These include LED DRLs, LED projector headlamps, painted alloy wheels, chrome-plated door handles and a rear window wiper and washer.

The cabin gets automatic climate control, an onboard voice assistant, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Suzuki Connect. The variant also features a wireless charging dock with active cooling and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel.

For buyers looking for a balance between equipment and price, the Zeta could sit in the middle of the new Baleno range, although its final pricing will be important in determining its positioning.

Alpha variant adds premium features

The Alpha is the second-highest variant and is available with manual and AMT gearboxes.

It adds LED fog lamps, UV-cut glass and precision-cut alloy wheels on the exterior. Inside, buyers get a leatherette steering wheel, head-up display, 360-degree camera, adaptive high-beam system and cruise control.

One of the notable comfort upgrades is the inclusion of ventilated front seats for both the driver and co-driver. The Alpha also gets auto-folding ORVMs, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror and a premium Clarion sound system.

Alpha Optional gets ADAS

The top-spec Alpha Optional variant adds the most significant safety technology in the new Baleno range.

It includes ADAS, along with adaptive cruise control. The variant is available with both manual and AMT transmissions.

The addition of ADAS makes the Baleno one of the early offerings in its segment to provide advanced driver assistance technology. The system is designed to provide additional assistance to the driver, but it does not replace the need for attentive driving.

The ADAS-equipped version is likely to appeal to buyers who prioritise safety technology and are willing to move towards the top end of the Baleno range.

Baleno gets subtle design changes

Unlike a major-generation change, the 2026 Baleno facelift brings relatively restrained exterior revisions. The more substantial changes are concentrated under the bonnet and inside the cabin.

The updated model continues to compete in the premium hatchback segment against cars such as the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and Toyota Glanza.

The combination of a new engine, AMT availability, CNG option and additional technology is intended to keep the Baleno competitive as buyers increasingly look for safety and connected features in hatchbacks.

Full Baleno price list yet to be announced

While the starting price of the new Baleno is Rs 6.10 lakh, Maruti Suzuki had not announced the complete variant-wise price list at the time of the NDTV report. The Delta, Zeta, Alpha and Alpha Optional prices were therefore listed as to be announced.

This means the final pricing gap between variants will be important for buyers deciding whether to opt for the more affordable versions or stretch their budget for features such as the 360-degree camera, ventilated seats and ADAS.

The 2026 Baleno’s facelift is therefore less about a dramatic change in appearance and more about updating the hatchback’s mechanical package and technology. With the new Z-Series engine, CNG option and ADAS-equipped top variant, Maruti Suzuki has added several features aimed at keeping one of its established premium hatchbacks competitive in the Indian market.