The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz has finally been launched in India and while we have looked at the car in-depth over the last two days, its launch has also revealed something else- the updates for the Baleno hatchback in 2019.
The Baleno is due for a mid-life update in 2019 and it seems quite certain that the features that we see on the facelifted 2018 Ciaz are the same ones that we will see on the Baleno when it is updated. Looking at the trend of how Maruti Suzuki has been updating its vehicles, we expect a revised face, design for the alloy wheels and shape of the tail lamps.
However, it is on the inside that we expect the biggest change. Maruti Suzuki is expected to offer the faux wood trim as well as beige colour options much like what’s there on the Ciaz. The instrument cluster will get a bigger TFT while the rear seats are expected to get an arm rest with cup holders. The infotainment system will get a bigger screen and the latest version of the SmartPlay infotainment system.
There will be no changes in terms of the engines but it is more than likely that the car will move to using a Lithium-ion battery (found in the Ciaz) with the intention of employing hybrid technology in the Baleno in future.
When launched, this updated Baleno will continue to take on the likes of the Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz, Volkswagen Polo as well as future models from Kia, Tata and Peugeot.
