Maruti Baleno facelift India launch expected in the first quarter of 2019.
Ever since its launch in October 2015, Maruti Baleno has been selling like hotcakes as it has a healthy amount of three things that the Indian audience desires – space, fuel economy and service network. Inching closer towards the 3 years mark without any update, it’s about time for the Baleno to receive a facelift. According to recent reports on the internet, Maruti Baleno facelift is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2019.
Moreover, it is being speculated that the Japanese automaker is going to shelve the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine and replace it with its in-house developed 1.5-litre fuel-burner unit. The 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine will be offered as it is. In the current Baleno, it develops 83 BHP of power and 115 Nm of torque while the diesel engine puts out 74 BHP of power and 190 Nm of torque. As of now, specifications of the 1.5-litre diesel engine are not known.
As the new 1.5-litre diesel engine is BS-6 compliant, Maruti Suzuki will be altering its entire line-up to draw power from this in-house developed motor by 2020. It remains to be seen whether or not the 1.5-litre engine makes its debut much before on the Ciaz facelift which is scheduled to be launched later this year. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki also plans to set up a separate plant for mass production of 1.5-litre diesel engine apart from a 3rd production line (by 2021) in its Gujarat facility to supplement the 2nd line that is currently under development.
Maruti Baleno Facelift
– Maruti Baleno facelift to come to India in the first quarter of 2019
– Speculated to get new 1.5-litre diesel engine to replace 1.3-litre DDiS unit
– New engine is BS-6 compliant and developed in-house
– Company also plans to set up a separate engine production plant
Source – Team-BHP.com
