Perhaps the biggest punch line that Maruti Suzuki is holding onto with the new Baleno is "Tech Goes Bold". Maruti's vehicles have been lagging behind the competition, especially when compared to the likes of Hyundai and Tata with regards to in-car tech and this new 2022 Baleno tackles the issue head on. As the Indo-Japanese carmaker started teasing the new premium hatchback, it started slipping bits and pieces of information, but now that it has been officially unveiled at a starting price of Rs 6.35 lakh (Ex-showroom), now we have a clearer picture of what is incoming. On the face of it, this car looks promising.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno Review
There are two features which are fundamentally segment firsts - the customisable 5.5-inch heads up display (HUD) and the 360-degree parking camera system which combines sensors and cameras to give a surround view of the car enabling easier parking. It is also a highly customisable vehicle - and its new SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system can welcome you with your name, which can be manually input. Maruti Suzuki touts a new widget based user interface for the infotainment which also comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All of this comes to life on a brand new 9-inch infotainment screen that has HD resolution.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki Launches 2022 Baleno
First car in the segment to get a 360-degree camera system
Now Suzuki Connect, its connected car platform comes built in the Baleno. It comes in an all new avatar with 40+ features that offers facilities like geo-fencing, SOS, telematics and analytics, plus remote start, and climate control operation. This works with an embedded SIM that is already preloaded in the car, though after a limited period the user will have to pay for the SIM card. The carrier of the SIM card can't be chosen by the customer.
There is also a new "Surround Sense" sound system that's tuned by ARKAMYS. Maruti Suzuki also says at a later date the Baleno will also get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability which will be pushed out via a software update. There is no wireless charging which is something touted by the Hyundai i20, but it does come with two USB ports that enable fast charging. Now, the car also gets a rear AC vent and it even supports natural language recognition via an Amazon Alexa skill for Suzuki Connect.
The car will also be sold as a part of a subscription service
Safety is also a big element in this vehicle as it now gets 6 airbags on the top end model, ESP, hill hold assist and ABS, alongside the AGS gearbox with a hydraulic clutch. Maruti Suzuki clearly got the memo that the modern consumer wants more technology and consumer electronics grade gadgetry inside the car and while it hasn't offered the moon, it has provided a holistic and pragmatic update. We will be doing a tech review of the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno soon, so watch out for that.
