Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Launched At Rs 8.69 Lakh

Published March 3, 2017
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Maruti's first hot hatch packs quite a punch

There was a time when Maruti Suzuki ads would say 'Ghar aa gaya, Hindustan' or 'India comes home in a Maruti Suzuki'. Nearly half a decade later, that still holds true. Only, in this case, India has reached home a tad early than usual. The reason? Ahem. Meet the Baleno RS that has just been launched at Rs 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Cheeky introduction aside, the RS is the first turbocharged hatchback to roll out of Maruti's factory. Suzuki has exported the Baleno with the exact same engine since production began, but India finally gets its share, a good year odd later. The sad bit is that the engine is slightly detuned compared to the global-spec. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor makes 102PS and 150Nm, which is less that the 110PS/169Nm developed by the global spec motor. But, that should hardly be a concern considering the Baleno RS' low 950kg kerb weight.

Low weight, big power and a 5-speed manual gearbox - that's as good as a recipe for a hot hatch gets. And since this is a lightweight turbo-petrol car we're talking about, the efficiency is phenomenal at 21.1kmpl (ARAI-certified) as well! To get the added horses to stop, Maruti Suzuki has added rear disc brakes to the mix. Just like a standard Baleno, the RS too gets anti-lock brakes as well as dual front airbags as standard.

How do you distinguish an RS from a standard Baleno? Look for the body kit that includes a different set of front and rear bumpers as well as side skirts. If you have keen eyes, you will also spot the alloy wheels are black instead of dull grey. Save for the minor cosmetic tweaks, the RS is identical to the top-spec Alpha variant of the Baleno.

Also read: Baleno RS Bookings Open At Rs 11,000

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That means it is a thoroughly practical car. It has space for five occupants and the 339-litre boot will swallow their luggage. The driver can get comfortable easily with the height-adjustable seat and rake/reach-adjust for the steering wheel. Other goodies such as the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Navigation, automatic climate control, reverse camera, and the steering-mounted controls are on offer as well.

To put the price into perspective, the RS costs Rs 1.39 lakh more than the top-spec Alpha petrol, and Rs 25,000 more than the top-spec diesel. That kind of pricing pitches it directly against the Volkswagen Polo GT TSi and the Fiat Abarth Punto. We'll be belting the Baleno RS around the Buddh International Circuit tomorrow. Stay tuned for what's about to come.