Maruti has finally ended its drought in the hot hatch segment with Baleno RS. Available only in top spec single trim, brand’s first performance oriented car is priced at Rs. 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and ready to take on Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and Abarth Punto. Unveiled at 2016 Auto Expo, RS comes with mechanical upgrades and cosmetic tweaks to differentiate from the standard model. The bookings for the powerhouse are already started for Rs. 11,000 at Nexa dealerships across India.
Maruti Baleno RS undercut its rivals by decent margin courtesy to extensive localization content. Baleno RS is about Rs. 40 thousand affordable Polo GT TSI and approximately Rs. 1 lakh cheaper than Fiat Abarth Punto.
Engine Details:
This is for the first time Suzuki Boosterjet engine is making its debut on Indian shores. The 1.0l three-cylinder engine belts out 100bhp power@4500rpm and 150Nm of torque between 1700-4500rpm delivering 20 percent more power and 30 percent more torque than the standard Baleno. No automatic as of now, the hot hatch is available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of fuel efficiency, it claims to deliver 21.1 Kmpl.
Space and Dimensions:
There is alternation in this vary segment, at tape it measures 3995mm in length, 1745mm in width and 1510mm in height. The five seater car rides on the wheelbase of 2520mm and offers 170mm of ground clearance. Its boot space stands at 339 liters.
Exterior and Interior:
In this aspect Baleno RS is identical to standard Baleno though it comes with some style tweaks such as front gets mesh grille, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, subtle satin black skirts on front bumper and under the doors. It also gets wider air dam, 16 inch black alloy wheels, larger rear spoiler and RS badging on the boot lid.
Based on Alpha trim, RS comes loaded with all the bells and whistles like 7 inch touch Smartplay infotainment system with Apple car play, Android Auto, navigation and voice command. Other feature on board- automatic climate control, keyless entry, 60:40 rear seat split, telescopic steering wheel, front armrest with storage, follow me headlamps etc.
Colors:
The Baleno RS is available in seven color options: Pearl Arctic White, Premium Silver, granite Grey, premium Urban Blue, Fire Red, Ray Blue and Autumn Orange.
Safety:
As for the safety, it comes with dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seats, ABS (anti-lock braking system), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), seat belts pretensioners and force limiters, reverse parking camera with rear sensors, driver side pinch guard power window, all four disc brakes, rear defogger, auto headlamps etc.
