Launched in October 2015, the Baleno received its mid-life makeover in 2019. And now we’ve got another update. Call it the 2022 model, the “new” Baleno or what Maruti Suzuki calls the “new age Baleno”; the simple fact is that it isn’t the next-gen model. However, the changes are much more thorough than the previous update. More on that in a bit. First, the detailed price list:

Although the list of variants seems the same as before, there are differences. First of all, the Baleno gets a gutsier 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 88bhp and 113Nm of torque. Secondly, there’s no CVT on offer anymore. That has been replaced by a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). However, the new Baleno comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox by default. As far as mileage figures go, the petrol-MT combo can return as high as 22.35kmpl, while the petrol-AMT setup goes up to 22.94kmpl.

Coming to the design changes, the premium hatchback boasts a wider front grille, accompanied by a flatter bonnet, new headlamps and a restyled bumper. Moving to the side profile reveals that the overall shape remains the same, but the chrome strip on the lower window line now extends all the way up to the rear three-quarter glass. Rounding up the changes outdoor are sleeker taillamps with a C-shaped profile and a revised rear bumper. Colours? You have a choice of six – Nexa Blue, Splendid Silver, Opulent Red, Grandeur Grey, Luxe Beige and Pearl Arctic White.

Step inside, and you’ll notice the new dual-tone upholstery – Black & Blue – with silver accents here and there. Then there’s the dashboard, which has a revised design to accommodate the 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. That, by the way, is also the control centre for Maruti Suzuki’s new-gen connected-car tech. Other new stuff includes the flat-bottomed steering wheel, control panel for climate control and the analogue instrument cluster.

Features? Besides the larger infotainment system, the new Baleno also offers a head-up display and 360-degree camera. The car also comes with stuff like 16-inch alloy wheels, auto-folding ORVMs, LED fog lamps, auto-dimming IRVM, support for Alexa, six airbags and cruise control. The glaring miss, however, is a sunroof.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has ruled the segment. And the revised version only makes the recipe sweeter. In India, the Baleno competes with Toyota Glanza, Honda Jazz, Tata Altroz and the Hyundai i20.