Maruti Suzuki has expanded the new Baleno range with a major new powertrain combination: factory-fitted CNG with an AMT automatic gearbox. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT has been launched in India with a starting price of ₹8.32 lakh (ex-showroom).
The launch is significant because CNG buyers have traditionally had to choose a manual gearbox. With the new Baleno, Maruti Suzuki is bringing the convenience of an automatic transmission to its factory-fitted S-CNG technology.
The Baleno CNG-AMT uses Maruti Suzuki’s new 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, paired with a 5-speed AGS automatic transmission. In CNG mode, the engine produces around 70 PS and 102 Nm, while the company claims a fuel efficiency of 34.47 km/kg for the CNG-AMT version.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT Price
The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT starts at ₹8.32 lakh ex-showroom.
The CNG-AMT is offered in the Delta and Zeta variants. Current launch information lists the Delta CNG-AMT at ₹8.32 lakh, while the Zeta CNG-AMT is listed at ₹9.32 lakh ex-showroom.
| Variant | Transmission | Fuel | Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baleno Delta CNG-AMT | 5-speed AGS | CNG | ₹8.32 lakh |
| Baleno Zeta CNG-AMT | 5-speed AGS | CNG | ₹9.32 lakh |
Prices are ex-showroom India and can vary with location or future Maruti Suzuki revisions.
The new automatic CNG option gives buyers an alternative to the existing CNG-manual setup, particularly for customers who spend considerable time driving in urban traffic.
What Is New in the Baleno CNG-AMT?
The biggest change is not the exterior design. Instead, Maruti Suzuki has combined two features that have become increasingly important in the Indian market: CNG fuel efficiency and automatic transmission convenience.
Until now, Baleno S-CNG buyers had to use a manual gearbox. The new version adds a 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission to the CNG powertrain.
This means the driver no longer needs to operate the clutch manually in stop-and-go traffic.
For city users, that can make the Baleno CNG more convenient, particularly during long commutes where frequent clutch operation can become tiring.
Engine and Performance
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT uses the company’s 1.2-litre Z12E naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine.
In petrol configuration, the engine develops up to 83 PS and 112 Nm. In CNG mode, output drops to approximately 70 PS and 102 Nm.
Baleno CNG-AMT Engine Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre Z12E petrol/CNG
- Cylinder configuration: 3-cylinder
- CNG power: Around 70 PS
- CNG torque: 102 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed AMT/AGS
- Fuel system: Factory-fitted S-CNG
- Claimed CNG efficiency: 34.47 km/kg
Maruti Suzuki’s official information confirms that the new Baleno is powered by the Z12E engine and gets both a 5-speed manual and AGS automatic transmission in its petrol range. The S-CNG version uses the same engine family.
Mileage: 34.47 km/kg Claimed
One of the biggest reasons buyers consider CNG cars is running cost, and the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT continues that focus.
The company claims a fuel efficiency of 34.47 km/kg for the CNG-AMT version. This is slightly higher than the claimed efficiency of the Baleno CNG manual, which is rated at 33.61 km/kg.
However, these are certified figures. Real-world mileage can vary depending on traffic, driving style, road conditions, passenger load, tyre pressure and air-conditioner usage.
Therefore, buyers should not assume that 34.47 km/kg will be achieved in every driving condition.
CNG-AMT Makes More Sense for City Driving
The biggest advantage of the new setup could be seen in cities.
A conventional CNG manual car already offers lower fuel costs, but frequent clutch use can be inconvenient in heavy traffic. The AMT gearbox addresses that problem without moving to a more complex conventional automatic or dual-clutch transmission.
The system is designed to handle gear changes automatically while retaining the basic mechanical architecture of a manual gearbox.
For a buyer who wants:
- Factory-fitted CNG
- Low running costs
- Automatic transmission
- Compact dimensions
- Premium-hatchback styling
the Baleno CNG-AMT brings all four requirements together.
Boot Space Remains a Concern
There is, however, one important compromise.
The CNG tank is positioned inside the boot rather than underneath the vehicle. The spare wheel is also retained, which means the available luggage space is significantly affected. Autocar India reports that the arrangement leaves very limited usable boot space in the Baleno CNG-AMT.
This is worth considering before buying.
For a single user or small family that mostly carries everyday luggage, it may not be a major issue. However, families that regularly travel with multiple suitcases may find the reduced boot area restrictive.
This is also an area where the Baleno differs from some newer Maruti Suzuki models that use different CNG tank packaging.
Features and Technology
The Baleno facelift has received several technology and equipment upgrades.
Maruti Suzuki’s official release highlights features including a new NEXWave grille, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated front seats, premium Clarion audio and Suzuki Connect connected-car technology.
Depending on the variant, the new Baleno range offers features such as:
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless charging
- Automatic climate control
- Push-button start/stop
- Rear camera
- Suzuki Connect
- LED lighting
- Alloy wheels
- Premium audio system
- Ventilated front seats
- Head-up display
- 360-degree camera
- Cruise control
- Level 2 ADAS on the top petrol variants
However, buyers should note that the complete feature list varies by variant, and not every feature available on the petrol Alpha/Alpha (O) versions is available on the CNG-AMT variants.
Exterior Design
The new Baleno continues with the familiar premium-hatchback proportions but receives styling updates as part of the 2026 facelift.
The front-end gets the new NEXWave grille, along with revised design elements intended to give the car a more contemporary appearance. Maruti Suzuki describes the new design as part of a new premium and progressive identity for the Baleno.
The overall design remains focused on the urban premium-hatchback segment rather than adopting the tall or crossover-like appearance seen on many newer cars.
Interior
Inside, the Baleno continues to focus on technology and everyday usability.
The updated model gets a larger equipment package, including connected-car functions, touchscreen infotainment, wireless charging and higher-end comfort features on upper variants.
The interior is therefore not simply a CNG conversion of the existing car. The CNG-AMT arrives as part of the wider 2026 Baleno update, which also introduced the new Z12E engine and additional technology.
Safety
Safety equipment has also received attention in the updated Baleno.
The new Baleno range introduces Level 2 ADAS on the top-end Alpha (O) petrol variant. Maruti Suzuki lists functions including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and advanced emergency braking.
However, it is important to separate the overall Baleno feature range from the equipment specifically available on the CNG-AMT variants.
The CNG-AMT should therefore be evaluated according to its own variant-level equipment rather than assuming that every feature of the top petrol model is included.
Baleno CNG-AMT vs Baleno CNG Manual
The new automatic version is primarily about convenience.
The existing CNG manual offers a lower entry price, while the CNG-AMT adds automatic driving convenience.
The Delta CNG-AMT starts at ₹8.32 lakh, while the existing Delta CNG manual is listed at ₹7.92 lakh in current variant pricing. That means the AMT commands an approximately ₹40,000 premium at the Delta level.
For someone who drives mostly on open highways, the manual could remain perfectly practical. On the other hand, frequent city driving makes the automatic option more relevant.
Main Competitor: Tata Altroz CNG-AMT
The Tata Altroz CNG-AMT is an important comparison because it already offers a factory-fitted CNG powertrain with an automatic transmission.
The Baleno now enters this specific space with its own combination of CNG, AMT and premium-hatchback positioning.
The key difference is packaging. The Baleno’s CNG tank arrangement affects boot usability, while the Altroz uses twin CNG cylinders and retains around 210 litres of luggage space, according to Autocar India.
Therefore, buyers should compare not just the fuel-efficiency figures but also boot space, features, price, safety equipment and after-sales support.
Who Should Consider the Baleno CNG-AMT?
The new Baleno CNG-AMT is particularly relevant for buyers who cover a lot of kilometres every month and want to keep fuel expenses under control.
It can also make sense for people who spend significant time in city traffic but do not want to give up the lower running-cost advantage of CNG.
It could suit:
- Daily city commuters
- High-mileage users
- Fleet and business users
- Buyers looking for factory-fitted CNG
- Automatic-car buyers with a CNG preference
- Families wanting a premium hatchback
What Buyers Should Check First
Before booking, buyers should pay particular attention to boot space.
The CNG tank and spare wheel occupy substantial space, so the car may not be ideal for someone who regularly carries large amounts of luggage.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Factory-fitted CNG technology
- Automatic AMT convenience
- Claimed 34.47 km/kg efficiency
- 1.2-litre Z12E engine
- Premium hatchback design
- Strong Maruti Suzuki service network
- Lower running-cost potential compared with petrol
Cons
- CNG tank takes up boot space
- CNG-AMT produces less power than the petrol version
- AMT is designed primarily for convenience rather than sporty driving
- Top-end Baleno features are not necessarily available on CNG variants
Gaadi Xpert Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG-AMT is an important addition to the Indian CNG market because it combines two things that many urban buyers want : automatic convenience and lower running costs.
The 34.47 km/kg claimed efficiency is strong on paper, while the 5-speed AGS transmission should make the car ea
