Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS - One Day To Go!

Maruti is trying hard to break out of the "small practical cars" image in the Indian market. And in an attempt to do so, the largest car maker in the country introduced the NEXA chain of showrooms for premium cars. In a more aggressive move, the company is now targeting performance car buyers as well, with the introduction of the Baleno RS. A go-fast version of the standard Baleno hatchback, the RS introduces Suzuki's 1.0-litre turbocharged engine in India. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS will be Maruti’s most powerful hatchback and is slated to be launched tomorrow i.e. March 3, 2017 and will rival the likes of the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, and the Fiat Abarth Punto (check out the spec comparo here). Expect it to be priced close to the Rs 9 lakh mark. 

Until now, an RS version of a Maruti car was simply a body job. But with the Baleno RS, things have changed. While the standard Baleno petrol comes with a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated engine, the RS uses a 1.0-litre (998cc) turbocharged otto cycle unit which gives it 102PS of peak power and 150Nm of peak torque. To put things into perspective, the 1.2-litre petrol Baleno produces 84PS of power and 115Nm of torque. The Baleno RS comes with only a 5-speed manual transmission while the Baleno also offers an optional CVT automatic. 

Another mechanical change in the car has been the introduction of the rear disc brakes. The RS gets disc brakes on all the four wheels for better stopping capabilities. 

In terms of exterior changes, the Baleno RS gets a new set of sporty looking bumpers. The front grille has also been reworked and the alloy wheels are now black in colour. Apart from this, it also features a body kit which contains a front under spoiler, side skirts and a rear under spoiler. The boot mounted spoiler has been carried forward from the standard car. 

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In terms of features, things remain similar to the top-of-the-line Alpha variant. The Baleno RS gets projector headlamps with daytime running lamps, chrome door handles, tilt and telescopic adjust for the steering, height adjustable driver's seat, Suzuki's 7-inch 'SmartPlay' infotainment system with MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an automatic climate control, auto headlamps, dual front airbags, ABS and keyless entry with push-button start. It still remains spacious with room for five adults and a 339-litre boot which can be increased further with the 60:40 split rear bench.

It will be available in seven exterior colours of the Baleno- Fire Red, Premium Urban Blue, Premium Silver, Autumn Orange, Ray Blue, Pearl Arctic White and Granite Gray. Bookings for the car have been open since February 27 at a token amount of Rs 11,000, and the same can also be done via the Nexa website. The Baleno RS with its lightweight construction, premium features and a powerful engine sure looks good on paper. We will be driving the car very soon and will have a review for you. Stay tuned!