Maruti’s next big Baleno RS which was showcased at 2016 Delhi Auto Expo is all set to launch in India in the coming month. The Spec sheet of one of the anticipated launches of 2017 has been leaked online and it has cleared a lot of speculations regarding Baleno RS. Maruti has been on a roll with launches like Baleno, Vitara Brezza and now Ignis. Now inspired by high success rate of trio, Maruti is betting big with its next launch.
The Performance version of Baleno will be the third product to be exclusively sold via Nexa dealerships. The Indo Japanese was expected to launch Baleno RS by October-November 2016 but growing waiting period of standard sibling and Vitara Brezza has pushed its launch to this year.
Now coming to leaked spec sheet which confirms that RS will be powered by a 1.0 litre boosterjet engine. However, the sad part is that the power is down by 10bhp as speculated earlier which could let down many enthusiasts. The 998cc engine is rated to deliver 100bhp of max output@5000rpm (110bhp earlier) and 150Nm of peak torque between 1700-4500rpm.
The leaked spec sheet also confirms that it will be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox but AT could be introduced at a later stage. Baleno RS will also get disc brakes on all four wheels and new 16 inch black alloy wheels. With power to weight ratio of 100bhp/tonne and low kerb weight, the car looks to deliver impressive mileage.
Besides, it will be exclusively available in black color shade and Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, sportier kits, 7 inch Smartplay infotainment system with Navigation, Apple car play and android auto, reverse parking camera with sensors, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, auto adjustable ORVMs.
Once launched, it will be pitched against Abarth Punto and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and expected to carry a sticker price of Rs. 8.5-9 lakh (ex-showroom).
