Official: Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Launch On March 3

Enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The hotter 'RS' version of Maruti's premium hatchback – the Baleno – debuts on March 3. The Baleno RS will be based on the Alpha variant, and will feature all the goodies one gets with the top-spec Baleno. 

A recent leak gave us the lowdown on the final specs. Let's revisit the basics again, shall we? The biggest talking point for the RS is, of course, the turbocharged 1.0-litre 'Boosterjet' engine. The K10C engine is a three-cylinder unit that pumps out 102PS of power and 150Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with a five-speed manual transmission only. An automatic variant isn't on the cards anytime soon. To get the hundred horses to stop quickly, the RS will feature disc brakes all round. We can expect Maruti to stiffen up the suspension a tad to cement the RS' sporty pretensions. But we'll reserve our word on it till we put it to the test. 

Since the RS is based on the top-spec version, it will feature projector headlamps with daytime running lamps, LED tail lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels. To distinguish it from the run-of-the-mill Baleno, it will get a pair of revised bumpers and a different grille as well. The interiors are expected to remain unchanged, carrying the all-black theme. Goodies such as automatic climate control, the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay-equipped seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and keyless entry/go will be on offer. 

The boosted-Baleno's primary rival will be the Volkswagen Polo GT TSi that retails for Rs 9.2 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. It would also eat into the Abarth Punto's pie that has a delicious Rs 10.47 lakh sticker price. The RS will be substantially expensive compared to the standard top-spec Baleno – we reckon it will be priced at around Rs 9 lakh, ex-showroom.