2022 Baleno To Be First Car In Segment With AMT | V3Cars

We believe the move to switch to an AMT for the Baleno instead of the earlier CVT could affect the brand value of the premium hatchback. After all, Maruti use AMT in their more affordable hatchbacks, such as the WagonR and Swift. Moreover, a CVT is usually considered a smoother transmission. 

Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno To Get 5-speed AMT

The Baleno’s key rivals offer a better automatic transmission. Check them out below:

1. Hyundai i20

Hyundai offer 2 automatic transmissions in the i20. The 1.2L normal petrol engine gets the option of a CVT. The 1.0L turbo petrol engine gets the option of a 7-speed DCT. Hyundai offer the same transmission with the 1.0 turbo petrol engine in the Venue as well.

2. Tata Altroz

Currently, Tata does not offer an automatic transmission in the Altroz. However, some reports claim that the Altroz will get a DCT soon, which is superior to an AMT.

Also Read: Tata Altroz Automatic Launch In 2022

3. Honda Jazz

Honda offer the Jazz with a CVT. Other cars from Honda, such as the Amaze, WR-V and City, also use CVT.

4. Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen offer the Polo with the option of a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This transmission is also used in the 1.0L turbo-petrol variants of the Taigun, Vento, Skoda Kushaq, and upcoming Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus.

5. Toyota Glanza

The Toyota Glanza is essentially a rebadged Baleno. Hence, as of now, it uses a CVT transmission. However, with the updated Glanza, expected to launch in March, Toyota too could switch to an AMT.

Also Read: 2022 Toyota Glanza Facelift Likely To Be Launched In March

Even though AMTs have their shortcomings, they are lighter on the pocket. We expect the upgrade from manual to automatic transmission in the new Baleno to cost about Rs. 50,000. The cost of this upgrade with the current version of the Baleno is around Rs. 1.20 lakh.

The 2022 Baleno will pack many features including a head-up display, a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, etc. The interior and exterior will get several cosmetic changes. It will carry forward the 1.2L normal petrol engine. It produces 90PS of power and 113Nm of torque. 

Also Read: 2022 Baleno - 9.0-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Teased; Gets Arkamys Sound

With the new changes and added features, we expect Maruti Suzuki to hike the prices of the new Baleno by Rs. 50,000. Meanwhile, bookings are open for a token amount of Rs 11,000. The 2022 Maruti Baleno is expected to be launched on February 23.