Maruti Suzuki Baleno And S-Cross Get Minor Updates

Maruti Suzuki has silently introduced minor updates to both of its premium cars, the Baleno and the S-Cross. While the Baleno gets ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard across all the variants, the S-Cross is now being offered with new 15-spoke, 16-inch gunmetal alloy wheels. However, the prices of both the cars remain unchanged.

Suzuki is already offering the facelifted S-Cross in the international market and the new alloy wheels might be the last update before the facelifted version is introduced in India around mid-2017. The facelifted S-Cross gets a new set of projector headlamps, a larger front grille and new wheel designs. In terms of mechanicals, it is expected to remain identical.

With standard dual front airbags and ABS with EBD, the Baleno is one of the safest cars in its segment; and with the addition of standard ISOFIX child seat mounts, it is now compliant with BNVSAP (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program) norms. The premium hatchback also has additional safety features like seat belt pre-tensioner, force limiters and a reminder for the driver, LED DRLs, reverse parking sensors, reverse parking camera and auto-dimming IRVM. Maruti is expected to introduce a performance-focused variant of the Baleno – the Baleno RS – sometime next year.  

The Baleno and the S-Cross are the only cars which are currently being offered through NEXA outlets. Although the S-Cross was introduced earlier, it was the Baleno that turned out to be a blockbuster and promoted NEXA. The upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ignis, being launched on January 13, 2017, will also be sold through NEXA dealerships. The upcoming facelifted Ciaz is also likely to be sold through them.