With the launch of the new-gen WagonR just around the corner, Maruti Suzuki has kickstarted the process of inviting interested souls to put their names down for the Baleno facelift. The same can be done by visiting the nearest Nexa dealership and depositing a minimum token amount of Rs 11,000. Several reports on the web suggest that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift will launch before the end of January 2019. However, there is no official word from the manufacturer about it yet.

So, what can be expected from this mid-life update of the Baleno? On the outside, it will flaunt a new set of bumpers and alloy wheels. The front grille could also see some revisions. Apart from that, expect Maruti Suzuki to add a couple of new paint options for the exterior. Inside the cabin, the carmaker is likely to make some minute design changes to the trim, covering the seats and the dashboard.

What’s more, Maruti Suzuki will up the value proposition of the premium hatchback by adding additional safety features such as speed alert system, seat belt reminder for front passenger and rear parking sensors. The aforementioned features will be part of the standard equipment list which also includes dual airbags, ISOFIX anchorages for child booster seats, pre-tensioners and for limiters in front seat belts and ABS with EBD.

Mechanically, the Baleno facelift will remain the same as its outgoing iteration. The hatchback, which currently holds over 26 per cent of market share in the A2+ segment in India, will be available with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel. While the former is tuned to produce 84PS/115Nm and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, the latter puts out 75PS/190Nm and comes only with a 5-speed manual transmission. The claimed mileage figures for the petrol- and diesel-fed variants are 21.4kmpl and 27.39kmpl, respectively.

Once launched, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift will renew its rivalry with the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and the Volkswagen Polo. Fun fact: Maruti Suzuki Baleno racked-up 5 lakh sales in a record time of 38 months. No car in the Indian automobile industry has ever managed to achieve such sales figures in such a short span.