maruti-suzuki-baleno-rs

The Baleno hatchback has been one of the most successful ventures by Maruti Suzuki in India. Ever since it was first introduced back in 2015, it has become one of the toughest competitions. Just a year after the standard Baleno saw the light, the revised edition of the car, the Baleno RS was unveiled as a concept model at the 2016 Auto Expo.

Scheduled for launch in the first half of 2017, there are a number of things you need to know about the sportier Maruti Baleno RS.

The all new engine

The technologies developed, and so did the cars. The introduction of forced induction units (turbocharged engines) was one of the major breakthrough in terms of downscaled petrol engines. Keeping up with the trend, the global version of Baleno received the latest BoosterJet engine, but this addition never made it into the Indian subcontinent markets. However, the Indo-Japanese company will debuts the 1.0-litre BoosterJet petrol engine in India through the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS.

The most powerful Maruti Suzuki car at launch

You did not read it wrong mate. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS hatchback will be the most powerful offering from the company once it is launched. It is more powerful than the Ciaz sedan too. The new engine, which will be debuted in India through the RS, will be able to pack a highest power of 100 bhp at 5,500 revs per minute and a peak torque of 150Nm at 1,700 to 4,500 revs per minute. This powerful engine will be mated with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox.

Moreover, we cannot rule out the possibility of a powerful 1.4-litre BoosterJet motor as well, which powers the international Suzuki Vitara S presently. This engine may be given as an option sometime in the future.

Availability in range topping Alpha trim only

Similar to the Abarth Punto and the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, the new Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS is expected to come under the skin of the top end Alpha trim only. If so, it will be getting all the premium and first class bits as standard. It will be the pioneer among its segment to be fitted with bi-xenon headlamps, which comes alongside with a 7-inch Suzuki’s SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment unit integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and LED tail lights.

Added safety and exterior changes

Till now, Abarth Punto enjoyed the monopoly of providing disc brakes for all the wheels in the affordable hatchback segment. But not anymore, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS throws a tough challenge on the Punto by providing the safety of disc brakes on all the four wheels. Apart from this, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and dual safety airbags are added as the standard features in the RS.

Not too long ago, Maruti Suzuki had ruled out the black colour paint from all its cars. However, opposed to that, the testing car of the Baleno RS has often been spotted wearing a black colour paint job. Other changes in the exteriors include a refreshed set of alloy wheels. Along with that, the company may also add an optional body kit, just like the concept model displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo.

Priced higher than the standard

Since the optional body kit and the presence of a BoosterJet engine (a form of turbocharged unit) have been the key points to look for in the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, it will, most probably, be priced with a high figure, higher than the standard 1.2-litre petrol version. This factor even depends on the production facility of the car. With three manufacturing units running for the company, the localization level may be a higher, which would mean that the price would not be overwhelmingly high.

Conclusion

Maruti Suzuki has been on a roll with all the three of its latest models, Baleno, VitaraBrezza and Ignis. Further, with the Baleno RS, the company will look to dominate in ways more than one. But there is also some factors that the company has to take care of, like the pricing of the car. It can be noted that the 1.6-litre S-Cross turned out to be a disaster due to its high price tag.

By taking care of this, the company will have made what will take the level of competition to the next level.