Earlier this week, Maruti Suzuki launched the mid-life update of the Baleno hatchback. It is priced between Rs 5.46 lakh and Rs 8.77 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Compared to the original model, the facelift brings a bunch of cosmetic changes inside and out as well as a new touchscreen infotainment system from the recently launched third-gen WagonR. As before, the Baleno facelift is available in four trims – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha – with a choice of three engine-transmission combinations. Before we get to all that, let’s get the price list out of the way.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Facelift Price List (ex-showroom Delhi)

In India, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a direct rival to the Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Elite i20 and the Honda Jazz. Let’s see how they are currently priced.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Rivals Price List (ex-showroom Delhi)

The Baleno facelift gets a new front bumper, new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, reprofiled taillamps and a new grille design. Inside the cabin, it features a black and navy-blue theme and a new infotainment system which is lifted from the recently launched all-new WagonR. Mechanically, however, the refreshed hatchback comes with the same trio of engine-transmission combinations.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine, which produces 84PS/115Nm, can be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The third option in the powertrain department is the diesel-manual. The Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre mill pumps out 75PS/190Nm and is available only with a 5-speed manual transmission. As per the company, the mileage figures, just like the powertrain options, remain unchanged. While the petrol engine, with or without the CVT, can return 21.4kmpl, the diesel is good for 27.39kmpl.

No points for guessing, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift will retail through the Nexa range of premium dealerships. The car will be offered in six colours – Nexa Blue, Autumn Orange, Premium Silver, Phoenix Red, Magma Grey and Arctic White.

With those vitals out of the way, let’s see what each trim of the refreshed Baleno brings to the party. As before, we’ll only be focusing on features which can potentially act as deal-breakers or makers.

Trim – Sigma| Variants available: Petrol MT and Diesel MT

Here’s the list of gizmos that the Baleno gets in its entry-level trim:

• Body-coloured ORVMs, exterior door handles and bumpers
• 15-inch steel rims
• ABS with EBD
• Dual airbags
• Headlamp levelling
• Seatbelt reminder for front seats
• Reverse parking sensors
• ISOFIX anchorages
• High-speed warning
• Tilt steering adjustment
• Two 12V accessory sockets
• Manual AC

The Baleno ticks almost all the necessary safety boxes right from its base trim. However, the rest of the kit is rather negligible. Our recommendation is that one should start considering the Baleno from the Delta trim.

Trim – Delta | Variants available: Petrol MT, Petrol CVT and Diesel MT

Over the Sigma trim, the Delta trim asks for an additional Rs 70,000. Here’s what you get for the added cost:

• Auto folding ORVMs with turn indicators
• Full wheel covers
• LED projector headlamps with light guide
• Auto-up power window, with pinch guard, for driver
• Rear wiper, washer and defogger
• Music system with Bluetooth/AUX/USB support
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Remote keyless entry
• Rear power windows
• Automatic climate control
• 60:40 split rear seat
• Adjustable headrest for rear seats

One can immediately sense that with the added list of features, the Delta trim makes much more sense. It packs enough for someone who wants a practical hatchback which is roomy and comfortable enough for a nuclear member family.

Trim – Zeta | Variants available: Petrol MT, Petrol CVT and Diesel MT

In this trim, the added cost for the petrol-powered variants is Rs 69,000, whereas the diesel-manual is Rs 70,000 more expensive. Given below are the main features that the Zeta trim gets over and above the Delta trim:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Illuminated boot, footwell and glovebox
• Coloured TFT with MID
• Front fog lamps
• Auto IRVM
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Push-button start/stop
• Telescopic steering adjustment
• Front centre armrest with storage
• Height adjustable driver’s seat

If you are after features like the infotainment system or a set of alloy wheels, this is where you will have to start. But what does this trim miss out on?

Trim – Alpha | Variants available: Petrol MT, Petrol CVT and Diesel MT

Over the Zeta trim, Maruti Suzuki will ask for an additional Rs 60,000 for this trim. For the added cost, the Baleno will come with:

• LED projector headlamps with DRLs
• UV cut glass
• Premium LED rear combination lamps
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic headlamps with follow-me-home and lead-to-vehicle function
• Reverse parking camera

That asking price is a bit steep, considering how well the Zeta trim is equipped. But there will always be those who want all the company-fitted bells and whistles in their car. For us, the use of UV cut glass alone makes a lot of difference.