Upcoming Baleno Facelift Will Be the First Maruti to Get CNG-AMT Gearbox
By Salil Kumar
Published August 21, 2026
The Maruti Baleno facelift will launch on 5 September, and ahead of it, several significant details about the updated car have emerged. The changes go further than the usual cosmetic refresh, with a meaningful mechanical and feature upgrade on the way.
The facelift will swap its current engine for the Z-Series three-cylinder petrol unit from the Swift. That engine will also be available in CNG guise, again following the Swift's lead.
What makes this noteworthy is that the CNG variant will be offered with an AMT gearbox alongside the standard 5-speed manual, a combination not seen in any Maruti car before.
Also Read – Skoda Could Bring CNG Options to Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia
Features Get a Genuine Upgrade
Ventilated front seats will be offered on the facelift, and the updated Baleno is also expected to bring ADAS to the premium hatchback segment for the first time. The cabin gets a refreshed dual-tone colour scheme and new upholstery, while the overall dashboard layout is expected to carry over from the current car.
Variants and Visual Updates
The existing variant lineup is likely to continue. The CNG-AMT combination is expected to be limited to the mid-level Delta and Zeta trims, with CNG unlikely to feature on the top-spec variant, consistent with how Maruti handles CNG across its range. A new petrol-only trim above the current Alpha is also anticipated, which would extend the range slightly at the top end.
Visually, expect measured changes. A revised front grille, reworked bumpers, new alloy wheel designs, and fresh colour options are expected, while the headlamps, tail lamps, and overall dimensions should remain unchanged.
Also Read – Every CNG Automatic Car Available in the Market
Pricing is expected to carry a modest premium over the current model, which starts at Rs 5.99 lakh. The updated Baleno will continue to take on the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 when it launches on 5 September.
Source: CarWale
Image Source: Nexa Experience
Table of Contents
- Features Get a Genuine Upgrade
- Variants and Visual Updates
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