Slated for a launch on March 3 in India, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS can now be booked online from the Nexa website for Rs 11,000. First showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 in Delhi, the Baleno RS is Maruti’s first real hot-hatch in India.
There is a lot of anticipation surrounding this new hot hatch. Powered by the 998cc three cylinder turbo-petrol ‘Boosterjet’ engine, the RS develops 100bhp of power at 5500rpm and 150Nm of torque right from 1700rpm. The output is 10bhp down of the speculated 110bhp which is offered internationally. Nonetheless, The Baleno RS will be no slouch at all thanks a power to weight ratio of 100bhp/tone. The engine will come mated to a five-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels but expect an AT transmission as well.
On the exterior, the Baleno RS gets a body kit as well as new alloy wheels. The cabin will be fully loaded with features like touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, automatic projector headlamps and wipers, electro chromatic mirrors, keyless entry and possibly leather seats. The RS might also have a new interior shade that is currently not offered with the standard car. Dual front airbags and ABS with EBD will be a standard item in the feature list.
The Baleno RS might come only on the top-spec Alpha trim and with the added equipment. The RS will demand a premium price over the standard car. We expect a price tag a tad above Rs 8 lakh for the Baleno RS Alpha as it will face competition from the likes of Volkswagen Polo GT and the Abarth Punto.
