Baleno RS Bookings Open At Rs 11,000

For everyone eyeing the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, it's time to give the rumour mills the rest they deserve. Maruti Suzuki has officially listed the hotter version of its premium hatchback on the Nexa website, filling us in on all the details. Bookings have opened as well, and just like the millennial-approved Ignis, the RS can be e-booked on the Nexa website for Rs 11,000. 

Earlier leaks gave us a look at the India-spec car's output, and the official information tallies with it as well. The hatch will be powered by Suzuki's 'K10C' 3-cylinder unit that develops 102PS of power and 150Nm of torque. That is slightly lower than its to-be arch rival, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSi (which gets 105PS/175Nm), but it should be able to keep up since it weighs considerably less as well. We've already saved you some Excel exercise -- head here for a spec comparo of the RS against its rivals. 

Maruti Suzuki has opted for a sleeper look with the Baleno RS. Not much gives away the hatchback’s sporty pretensions. The RS gets a mesh grille, blacked-out 16-inch wheels (design remains identical to the standard Baleno) and a subtle body kit. 

Since the RS will be available in a single trim, it gets all the bells and whistles, including projector headlamps with daytime running lamps, Suzuki's 7-inch 'SmartPlay' infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and keyless entry/go. It retains the Baleno's practical side as well, gets tilt and telescopic adjust for the steering, a height adjustable driver's seat, 60:40 split for the rear bench and a generous 339-litre boot. 

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And yes, safety specs are on par with the standard Baleno - dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and ISOFIX child seat mounts are in the offing. It also features additional stopping power courtesy disc brakes at the rear. 

For those who were disappointed that the new Baleno didn't do enough justice to the older sedan, we think the Boosterjet should make up for it. You'll see one in a Nexa showroom by March 3, and it is likely to have a sticker price of around Rs 9 lakh. Meanwhile, take a look at what we think of the vanilla Baleno. 

Recommended: Maruti Suzuki Baleno Gallery