2022 Maruti Baleno Test Drive Review, Mileage Run [VIDEO]

Maruti launched the all-new Baleno in India last month. With prices starting from Rs 6.35 lakh, the 2022 Baleno brings along a lot of changes, updates and advancements. We drove the new premium hatchback in and around Goa last week and this is what we think about Nexas best selling offering. You can hit the play button on the video window or continue to scroll down to read our textual review. The video also includes the mileage run.

Quick Background

The original Baleno (in India) was the good old sedan that was known for offering a mix of luxury and performance. It was discontinued in 2007, making way for the muscular SX4. In 2015, Maruti decided to get back the Baleno brand name but in an all-new avatar, that of a premium hatchback. In the past 6 years, the Baleno saw numerous changes - out went the diesel, the sportier RS lasted a few months and a facelift kept it modern and fresh. For 2022 though, Maruti has upped the game further with massive changes in and out.

How does it look

Although this is a major update, Maruti has decided to stick to the same silhouette design. See the new Baleno from a distance and you will be able to recognise all the design lines. Yes, it does look more or less like the outgoing version but at the same time, there are a lot of noticeable changes to get your attention. Maruti calls the new theme as Crafted Futurism and such tweaks will also been seen on other Nexa offerings going forward. The first one could be the updated XL6. Up front, the headlights are new (LEDs) and so is the grille. The lights also get funky new (and super bright) DRLs or day time running lights. Ditto for the bumper - it now houses a narrower air dams and the LED fog lights get a chrome lip in there. Likewise, design for the alloy wheels is new and these look gorgeous on the move. These are 16-inch on the higher versions while the lower ones get 15 inch steel rims.

The rear tail lamps are altered too, much bigger now and get the LED pattern as well. Most of the body panels are altered we are told and the Baleno does look smart and upmarket by all means. The colour you see here is new and this dark shade did look nice, both under the sun and during soft light hours. Overall, the new Baleno wins hearts when it comes aesthetics and isnt as radical as the new i20. There are two accessory packs available and the same have been discussed in our walk-around video.

Is the cabin new?

Yes! There are more changes to the interiors than I had expected. The layout is all-new and Maruti has ensured the Baleno indeed looks and feels like a premium hatchback now. From the new flat bottom steering wheel to the revised fascia, even the seats are new and so are the storage spaces. Getting into the Baleno remains the same affair but once seated, you do notice the changed design and inclusion of new, lighter colours. I love the placement of the screen, the central air con vents and even the climate control. The analogue dials remain (good, no?) and the little screen between them shows a lot of information. Higher models also get HUD or heads-up display and this has been a talking point lately. It does end up giving you ample info, without you having to move your eyes around.

The new 9 infotainment system gets Marutis advance SmartPlay Studio. Though functionality has improved and Suzuki Connect with 40+ features is now standard, the audio quality isnt a match for some of its rivals in the same price band. That said, I love the climate control set-up (its offered in the base model too) and the seats need a special mention. They are supremely comfortable and will be handy during longer drives. Space remains a strong point and tall, well build adults will continue to like this hatchback.

At the back, things remain same apart from the new seats, new door pads and inclusion of much needed air con vents. With the front seats positioned for a 6 foot tall driver, you still get about 2-3 inches of knee room at the back for an equally tall person. Excellent! You can also get dual fast charging outlets here - one each for Type A and Type C. However, an armrest at this price point is missing and head room, as expected, is just about sufficient. What the Baleno has in oodles is the boot space. At 318 litres, you can easily stuff in luggage for a long weekend with ease.

The driving bit

Another change in the new Baleno is the engine. Only one motor is on offer, unlike rivals that have multiple options including a diesel engine. The 1.2-litre petrol motor is a 4-cylinder set up with Dual Jet and Dual VVT tech as standard. It produces 90PS of power along with 113Nm of torque. While these are impressive and comparable with the non-turbo units of the i20 and the Altroz, the fact remains that Maruti does not have a performance oriented petrol in the line up. That said, for most buyers, this unit does the job pretty well. For starters, it offers claimed economy of 22.35 kmpl for the manual set up and 22.94 kmpl for the AGS (AMT) gearbox. These are segment best figures and something that most owners still need in todays era of high fuel prices. We did conduct a 190km run in and around Goan's roads, with the air-con running. The final tankful to tankful run saw us get almost 20kmpl - see the above video for more details.

That said, Maruti has ditched the smoother CVT automatic for the low cost AGS transmission. This comes as a surprise because the Baleno plays in the premium hatchback segment and customers usually look out for a transmission that is hassle free, jerk free and smoother in operation. In Marutis defence, the company claims they were the first ones to bring this technology in India and over time, have made it better that ever before. Second, it helps to keep efficiency high and overall costs low. But does it work well?

We had the AGS / AMT Alpha model on review with us during the drive. One of my own cars back home is the Ignis AMT and we have been using it for over 3 years now. Yes, it does have its own share of shortcomings but within a few minutes of driving the Baleno AGS on Goan roads, I was definitely impressed. The shift action is a bit quicker, it blips the throttle during downshifts and with ample low and mid range torque on offer, the combination seemed to work well. Kudos also goes to the engine that is utterly smooth with lack of vibrations whatsoever. For most users, urban runs in the Baleno AGS will be rewarding. And as before, you can take manual control and change gears yourself.

Purists however will be disappointed. I took the hill section towards the Goa - Karnataka border for a reason. Uphill, wide and with lots of corners to attack, this was a great 10km section to put the Balenos updated engine to test. And frankly, it didnt seem to have the same punch as the engines before - specially in the 3000-4500 rpm zone. Vocals too remain muted and enthusiasts might have to look elsewhere.

We didnt get a chance to sample the manual (MT) Baleno yet and will be doing so soon.

The ride

Happy to report that the new Baleno rides pretty well. There is a mature feel about the way it drives over bad roads and potholes. This inspite of 16 inch wheels with relatively low profile tyres. Suspension noise is well absorbed too and even with a load of four during a point of time, the Baleno didnt seem to wallow or bottom out during the day long driving experience. Maruti claims the car now runs on an all-new suspension set up and the changes sure will be appreciated by owners.

The steering set up seemed to be same and as before, offers a good balance of ride and handling. Its light (not too much) for urban runs and yet weighs up considerably well at higher speeds. The Baleno aint a pure drivers delight in the way it attacks corners but with Electronic Stability Control (ESP) backing you up for safety, you do tend to go faster around curves and twisties. This also gets me to the important braking parameter. Team member Karan owns the previous Baleno and he admits braking wasnt the best around. Maruti understands this and have updated the brakes on the 2022 model. Our test car was new and yet the brakes felt reassuringly good.

Features & Safety

Hyundai often ups the game when it comes to providing features across all segments. The i20 too followed the same pattern but the new Baleno now packs in enough artillery to stand up for a fight. This includes as many as 6 airbags, electronic stability program and extensive usage of high tensile & ultra high tensile steel in the body. The doors too felt heavier with a better thud while closing. Global NCAP test results are not out yet but the Baleno (for India) will surely score higher marks. (And then you have aids like a 360 degree camera which comes handy while negotiating tight lanes or attempting a tight parking. The updated Suzuki Connect app also have ample safety & security features. Rear air-con vents also make it to the new Baleno and though storage space under the front arm-rest is less, you do get slide adjustment for your left elbow.

Verdict

The new Baleno is on sale with prices starting at Rs 6.35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Altroz on the other hand starts at Rs 6 lakh, i20 at 6.98 lakh and the soon to be discontinued Polo at Rs 6.55 lakh. Pricing wise, Maruti has got it spot on. With ample features in the even base version, the Baleno continues to offer great value for money. Add in the best in class fuel economy and easy-on-the-pocket AGS transmission, we are sure this updated model will remain the top 5 selling cars in India.

That said, there are a few shortcomings. No diesel, something that is still preferred by those who drive for over 1500km every month. Both the i20 and the Altroz also provide optional turbo petrol engines. I would also add that for most, the Altroz feels safer, the i20 feels sportier (N Line) and the Jazz more practical. But, as an all rounder, the Baleno still remains unbeatable!