Next-gen Maruti Baleno Hybrid and Hyundai i20 in the Works - Launch Timeline

It is no secret that automakers are now focusing on SUVs to drive sales in India as well as global markets. This is evident from the current line-up of most brands and their upcoming cars, mostly SUVs. However, Maruti Suzuki still believes that hatchbacks and mass-market cars will remain popular among first time car buyers. Similarly, Hyundai is also not giving up on hatchbacks to drive sales in our market. India’s two most popular hatchbacks, the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20 will also enter the new generation in the next 1-2 years. 

Next-gen Maruti Baleno 

Maruti Suzuki is working on the next-gen Baleno and a new sub-4 meter MPV based on the Suzuki SPACIA MPV. First launched in 2015, the Baleno has been the top-selling hatchback in the premium segment. The NEXA-only model received its first major upgrade in 2019, followed by a second big update in February 2022. It is expected that the next-gen Maruti Baleno will arrive in our market sometime late 2026 or 2027. 

The big news is that the next-gen Baleno will come with an in-house developed series hybrid engine, which works as a range extender. In this powertrain, the petrol engine act as a generator or range extender. The petrol engine produces electricity to power an electric motor that drives the wheels. The motor draws electric power from either a small battery pack, which is continuously charged by a petrol engine. The hybrid engine will comprise a 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine, a small 1.5-2kWh battery and an electric motor. 

It is expected that the new Baleno will offer a mileage of over 35kmpl, making it the most fuel efficient in its category. Besides new powertrain, the next Baleno is expected to feature a stronger outer body and new safety features, including ADAS. 

Next-gen Hyundai i20

Hyundai has started testing the next-gen i20 hatchback in Europe. It will come with significant design and interior changes along with new mechanics. The new-gen Hyundai i20 will make its global debut in the second half of 2026, while launch could take place sometime in 2027. The hatchback will come with all-new styling based on Hyundai’s new design language, which we see on the next-gen Creta and the India-spec Bayon crossover. 

The next-gen Hyundai i20 will come with the internal combustion engine; however, a new 100% electric derivative based on the e-GMP platform could also join the line-up. The new model is expected to arrive in our market in 2027-28. 

It is expected to get a hybrid powertrain, which is currently under development. Hyundai is reportedly developing a new 1.2L turbo petrol engine, which will be hybrid ready. This engine is rumoured to be offered on the Bayon crossover in 2026. The hybrid version could be offered with the i20 hatchback.

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