Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has launched the much-awaited Baleno RS in the country, with prices starting at Rs 8.69 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi. This is the company’s foray into the “hot hatch” segment in the country. The RS costs about Rs 1.39 lakh more than the regular Baleno Alpha petrol (Rs 7.30 lakh, ex-Delhi).
The design remains unchanged from what we saw at the Auto Expo 2016. On the exterior, the car gets sporty bumper design both front and rear, and side skirts as well. The headlamps have been smoked-out, and there’s a different grille pattern. Alloys have been blacked-out as well. Rear-end has an RS badge and a large spoiler.
On the inside, you’ll get SmartPlay infotainment System, Apple CarPlay, navigation, voice command, steering mounted controls, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, auto AC, push button start and pretty much everything from the top-end Baleno. Power & Torque digital gauge we’ve seen in the regular Baleno’s 4.2-inch MID, makes it to the RS too.
Standard safety features include rear parking sensors, reversing camera, dual front airbags, ABS, and seat belt pretensioners.
The Baleno RS is powered by a 998-cc 3-cylinder turbocharged BoosterJet engine, producing 75 kW (101 bhp) at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Apparently, MSIL has detuned the engine for fuel quality reasons. International-spec model produces 110+ hp and 170 Nm of torque. Compared with the regular Baleno petrol, the RS produces about 18 hp and 35 Nm more.
The RS will have disc brakes at all four corners. While the steel wheel will be a 15-inch one wearing 185/65 tyres, the alloy wheel will be a 16-inch one wearing 195/55 tyres—the same tyres as the regular car. The Baleno RS’ kerb weight with 90% fuel stands at 950 kg, a bit heavier than the regular Baleno. Fuel tank measures 37 litres. Ground clearance is at 114 mm (laden) compared with 170 mm in the regular car (unladen).
There are 7 colors to choose from – Fire Red, Premium Urban Blue, Premium Silver, Autumn Orange, Ray Blue, Pearl Arctic White and Granite Gray.
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