Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS: 10 Things You Need To Know

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, scheduled to be launched later today, will mark the company's foray into the Indian hot hatch market. Based on the Baleno hatchback, the RS will not only become the first Maruti Suzuki car to receive Suzuki's new 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine but also the company's most powerful hatchback. Though a performance-oriented variation of the standard Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Baleno RS will come sporting some differentiating features. Moving on - Maruti Suzuki's hot hatch is available for bookings on the NEXA website and already observes a waiting period of nearly 1.5 months. Check the Live Updates here.

Set to take on the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, Fiat Punto Abarth, and Ford Figo 1.5 in India, here is everything you need to know about the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Rear

1. Maruti Suzuki India showcased the Baleno RS in India as a concept at the 2016 Auto Expo for the first time. The performance hatchback was seen alongside Suzuki's then upcoming SUV-styled hatchback - the Ignis. Both models were expected to be introduced in 2016, but due to the overwhelming demand for Maruti's existing products, the launch was pushed to this year.
2. What makes the car worthy of the RS badge is Suzuki's 1.0 litre BoosterJet petrol engine. The three-cylinder, turbocharged motor has been re-tuned for India and churns out 101 bhp of power at 5500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque available between 1700-4500 rpm. In comparison, the international spec motor makes 112 bhp and of 175 Nm of peak torque. As we said before, the Baleno RS will still be Maruti's most powerful hatchback when it goes on sale. 
3. The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, on the other hand, churns out 104 bhp and 175 Nm of torque from a 1.2 litre engine and is paired to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.
4. Meanwhile, the Baleno RS will continue using the 5-speed manual gearbox from the standard version and that should certainly be amusing to purists.
5. Maruti Suzuki's Baleno RS will also compete against other hot hatchbacks currently on sale including the Fiat Abarth Punto and Ford Figo 1.5 litre petrol.
   

   Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS at the 2016 Auto Expo

6. Maruti Suzuki India has been putting the car through some extensive testing since the end of 2015. This has been a clear indication from the numerous sightings of the test mules over last year.
7. In terms of appearance, the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS looks similar to the regular Baleno hatchback. But gets minor cosmetic tweaks and the RS badging to differentiate it from the regular hatchback.
8. Same goes for the car's cabin. While the overall layout will remain the same, the Baleno RS is expected to get subtle changes like bucket seats with new upholstery, aluminium finished pedals and much more.
   

   Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Interior

9. Among feature additions, the new Baleno RS is likely to come with SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay while the multi-function steering wheel from the standard could have been replaced with a flat-bottom unit.
10. The performance hatchback is all set to be launched and is expected to be priced around Rs. 8 lakh to Rs. 9.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).