New Baleno 2026 vs. Old Baleno: What Has Changed?
Maruti Suzuki has just rolled out the new Baleno 2026 facelift, and it’s a bigger update than most people expected from a “mid-life refresh.” Sold exclusively through NEXA showrooms, the new Baleno 2026 is offered in 5 variants—Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha, and the new top-spec Alpha(O)—with petrol and factory-fitted S-CNG powertrain options.
If you’re trying to know what’s different in the new Baleno 2026—this guide breaks down every change: engine, mileage, safety, design, interior, technology, and how it stacks up against its closest rivals. Want to experience these updates yourself? Book a test drive of the New Baleno at Shivam Autozone Maruti Suzuki Authorised NEXA Dealer and get a closer look at its features and driving experience.
What Is New in the Baleno 2026?
The most important updates in the New Baleno 2026 are:
- New 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E Series petrol engine
- Level 2 ADAS Safety Features
- Ventilated seats
- Leatherette Upholstery
- Wireless charging dock with active cooling
- Premium Sound System by Clarion
- Updated Signature NEXWave Grille and exterior styling
- New Enigmatic Teal Green exterior colour
How Is the New Baleno 2026 Different From the Old Baleno
One of the biggest changes is the move to the new 1.2-litre Z12E Series petrol engine.
The New Baleno uses a 3-cylinder, 1197 cc petrol engine producing 61 kW at 5700 rpm (82.93 PS @ 5700 rpm) and a maximum torque of 112.4Nm at 4500 rpm. The engine is available with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT transmissions.
Petrol Engine: Old vs. New
| Spec | Old Baleno | New Baleno 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L, 4-cylinder (K12N) | 1.2L, 3-cylinder (Z12E) |
| Manual Mileage | 22.35 km/l* | 23.80 km/l* |
| AMT Mileage | 22.94 km/l* | 24.77 km/l* |
*Fuel efficiency as certified by the test agency under Rule 115 of CMVR 1989.
CNG Engine: Old vs. New
| Spec | Old Baleno CNG | New Baleno 2026 CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 99 Nm @ 4300 rpm | 102 Nm @ 2900 rpm |
| Manual Mileage | 30.61 km/kg* | 33.61 km/kg* |
*Fuel efficiency as certified by the test agency under Rule 115 of CMVR 1989.
What are the safety features of the New Baleno 2026?
Safety is one of the biggest technology upgrades in the New Baleno.
The car comes with 6 airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS, along with Electronic Stability Program with Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, 360 view camera, seat-belt reminders, ISOFIX child-seat anchorages and TPMS – Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Does the New Baleno Have ADAS?
Yes. The New Baleno offers Level 2 ADAS, which includes features such as:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Curve Speed Reduction
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Prevention
- Lane Departure Warning
- Vehicle Sway Warning
- Advanced Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- High Beam Assist
How Is the Exterior Design of the New Baleno 2026 Different?
The New Baleno 2026 also introduces a new Enigmatic Teal Green exterior colour, adding a fresh and distinctive option to the NEXA hatchback’s colour palette. It is offered alongside existing colours such as NEXA Blue, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Arctic White, Opulent Red and Bluish Black.
Key exterior highlights include:
- New Signature NEXWave Grille
- Redesigned bumper and repositioned Suzuki badge
- LED fog lamps
- Fender chrome garnish
- Shark Fin Antenna
- Retweaked 16-inch alloy wheel design
What New Interior Features Does the Baleno 2026 Get?
The cabin sees several quality-of-life improvements over the old Baleno:
- Leatherette seat upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless Charging Dock with Active Cooling
- Premium Sound System by Clarion
- Rear AC Vents
- Automatic Climate Control
Suspension and Ride Quality
The new Baleno 2026 also gets retuned front and rear suspension. Drive comfortably with the Stunning New Baleno’s advanced front and rear suspension, designed for stability and superior handling. The system adapts to the road’s curves and turns and adjusts to varying terrains, ensuring a balanced driving experience on both city roads and highways for daily commutes or a long journey.
New Baleno 2026 vs Old Baleno: Summary Table
| Category | Old Baleno | New Baleno 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 4-cyl K12N | 1.2L 3-cyl Z12E |
| Mileage (Petrol MT) | 22.35 km/l* | 23.80 km/l* |
| Mileage (Petrol AMT) | 22.94 km/l* | 24.77 km/l* |
| Mileage (CNG) | 30.61 km/kg* | 33.61 km/kg* |
| ADAS | Not available | Level 2 ADAS |
| Airbags | 6 airbags standard | 6 airbags standard |
| Front Seats | Standard | Ventilated |
| Wireless Charging | Not available | Available with active cooling |
*Fuel efficiency as certified by the test agency under Rule 115 of CMVR 1989.
Is the New Baleno 2026 Worth Buying?
If you’re planning to buy a premium hatchback in 2026, the New Baleno is definitely worth considering. It brings together a modern design, useful technology, updated engine options and features that make everyday driving more convenient.
Want to see whether the New Baleno is right for you? Visit Shivam Autozone Maruti Suzuki Authorised NEXA Dealer in Mumbai, Thane or Palghar , take a test drive before making your decision. Not sure which Baleno variant is right for you? Talk to NEXA Shivam Autozone
Visit NEXA Shivam Autozone Maruti Suzuki Authorised Dealer across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar and experience premium mobility solutions backed by trusted service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the new Baleno 2026 use?
The New Baleno 2026 uses a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z12E Series petrol engine producing 82.93 PS and 112.4 Nm.
Does the new Baleno have ADAS?
Yes. The new Baleno 2026 comes with Level 2 ADAS safety feature including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and high beam assist.
Is the new Baleno more fuel-efficient than the old Baleno?
Yes. The new Baleno’s petrol manual delivers a claimed 23.80 km/l* versus 22.35 km/l* on the old model, the petrol-AMT delivers 24.77 km/l*, and the CNG variant improves to 33.61 km/kg* from 30.61 km/kg*.
*Fuel efficiency as certified by the test agency under Rule 115 of CMVR 1989.
How many airbags does the new Baleno 2026 have?
The new Baleno 2026 comes with 6 airbags as standard in all variants.
Which is the new color launched in the new Baleno 2026?
The New Baleno 2026 has introduced Enigmatic Teal Green along with the existing Nexa Blue, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Arctic White, Opulent Red, Bluish Black
Is the New Baleno 2026 Good for City Driving?
The New Baleno 2026 is designed to suit everyday urban driving with its efficiency-focused engine, driver-assistance technology, 360-degree camera, comfort features and available S-CNG powertrain.
Where to test drive or book the new Baleno in Mumbai?
You can test drive and book the new Baleno at Nexa Shivam Autozone showrooms in Mumbai (Kandivali & Andheri), in Thane (Wada) and in Palghar (Boisar).