-
The much-awaited performance hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS has been introduced at a price tag of Rs 8.69 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. It is offered with a few cosmetic changes, but, the key change is under the bonnet, an all-new 1.0 litre Boosterjet petrol engine. Over the standard Baleno, the RS version gets a few subtle cosmetic changes that differentiate it from the Baleno powered by a 1.2 litre K-Series petrol engine or the 1.3 litre DDIS diesel unit. Here are the features, specifications and other details of the new performance oriented hatchback.
-
Unlike Maruti Suzuki's methodology of launching fuel-efficient inclined cars, the Baleno RS has a powerful three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This engine generates 100 hp of power at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Although it is the least powerful in its segment in which the Volkswagen GT TSI and the Fiat Abarth Punto pose as direct competitors, it has a better power-to-weight ratio. The RS has 104 hp per tonne power-to-weight ratio compared to the Volkswagen's 93 hp per tonne, thanks to the Baleno's light 960 kg weight compared to the Polo GT TSI's 1,105 kg. In addition to the impressive performance, the Boosterjet Engine still has a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.1 kmpl
-
Design changes on the Baleno RS are subtle but stand out. These include a black coloured alloy wheel, chrome accents for the front grille, chrome accent boot spoiler, chrome door handles as well as slight revisions to the front and rear bumpers. Inside, there are no changes and the RS, which is based on the top-end Alpha variant, gets a touchscreen infotainment system. This system supports navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. However, no Android Auto is offered with it as of now. In addition to the infotainment system, the Baleno RS also gets an automatic climate control.
-
In terms of safety, the Baleno RS, which is offered only in one variants gets ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and dual front airbags. The only car in its segment to offer additions along with the aforementioned features is the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI which has traction control and hill hold assist.
-
The Baleno RS is priced at Rs 8.69 lakh while the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI is offered at Rs 9.11 lakh and the Fiat Abarth Punto costs Rs 9.90 lakh, all prices ex-showroom Delhi. The Baleno RS' price undercuts the Polo GT TSI by Rs 42,000 and the Abarth Punto by almost Rs 1.20 lakh. However, the Baleno is offered only with a manual transmission and the automatic will not be offered in it.
6 Photos
