The much awaited Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS has finally been launched in India. The concept version of the hot hatch was showcased at the Auto Expo 2016.
Unlike the previous RS offerings from Maruti, the Baleno RS is the company’s first true performance oriented car. It gets key mechanical upgrades which include the much acclaimed 1.0L BoosterJet engine and rear disc brakes.
The compact yet powerful BoosterJet engine produces a max power of 100 hp (75 kW) @ 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 150 Nm between 1700 to 4500 rpm. It utilises direct fuel injection technology to achieve efficient combustion while optimising fuel consumption. The use of a turbocharger allows the engine to deliver an output that is equivalent to an engine with bigger displacement and it also provides more torque at lower revs.
When compared to the international BoosterJet engine, the Indian-spec is detuned by 10 hp and also gets 20 Nm less torque. However, it is 20% more powerful and also generates almost 30% extra torque than the naturally aspirated petrol 1.2L engine.
A 5-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission available for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS. The company claims The Baleno RS can deliver an average fuel mileage of 21.1 km/L. The other mechanical upgrade is the inclusion of rear disc brakes for better stopping power.
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To distinguish it from a normal Maruti Baleno, designers have given the RS variant a set of new sporty and aggressive looking bumpers and side skirts with a silver lip all around. Also included are a black mesh grille, rear spoiler and an RS badge on the tailgate. The 16-inch alloy wheels are painted in black but the design remains same as on the normal model. The tire size also remains same – 195/55R16. The Maruti Baleno RS comes in a choice of 7 exterior colours – Fire Red, Premium Urban Blue, Premium Silver, Autumn Orange, Pearl Arctic White, Granite Grey and Ray Blue.
Rest of the exteriors features include chrome door handles, body coloured electrically foldable ORVMs with turn indicators, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) with LED, rear combination lamps with LED, automatic projector headlamps, blacked out A, B & C pillars, front fog lamps, rear wiper & washer and UV cut glass.
The interior of the Baleno RS is same as that of the Baleno Alpha and includes metal finish inside door handles, metal finish tipped parking brake, glove box illumination, luggage room illumination, front footwell illumination, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front centre armrest with storage, 60:40 split rear seat, height adjustable driver seat, front and rear accessory socket, front and rear power windows, auto-up with pinch guard power window (Driver), front and rear seat adjustable headrest, driver side seat belt reminder and rear defogger.
Additionally, the hot hatch gets, Multi-Information speedometer display (with colour TFT), central locking, remote keyless entry with push start/stop, reverse parking sensors with camera, telescopic and tilt steering, automatic climate control, follow me home/lead to vehicle lights, SmartPlay Infotainment System with Bluetooth, AUX & USB inputs, steering mounted audio control, GPS-enabled navigation system, voice command, Apple CarPlay remote control through smartphone app, anti-theft security system, headlamp levelling and auto dimming IRVM.
In terms of safety features, the Maruti Baleno RS comes with dual front airbags, Suzuki TECT body, ABS with EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force safe limiters, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, pedestrian protection compliance, full frontal impact compliance, frontal offset impact compliance and side impact compliance.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Price:
The Maruti Baleno RS is priced at INR 8,69,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). It will exclusively be retailed from NEXA outlets.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – Image Gallery
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS BoosterJet Engine Specifications:
Engine capacity: 998 cc
Max Power: 100 hp @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque: 150 Nm @ 1700-4500 rpm
Fuel efficiency: 21.1 kmpl
Fuel type: Petrol
Camshaft: DOHC
No. of Cylinders: 3
Transmission: 5-speed Manual
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Dimensions:
Length: 3995 mm
Width: 1745 mm
Height: 1510 mm
Wheelbase: 2520 mm
Ground clearance: 170 mm
Boot space: 339 litres
Fuel tank capacity: 37 litres
Tyre size: 195/55 R16
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Weight:
Kerb weight: 950 kg
Gross Vehicle weight: 1360 kg
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Brakes, Steering & Suspension:
Front brakes: Disc
Rear brakes: Disc
Front suspension: McPherson Strut
Rear suspension: Torsion Beam
Min. turning radius: 4.9 m
Power steering type: Electric, Rack & Pinion type
