Remember when the Maruti Baleno RS was revealed at the 2016 Auto Expo last-year, with a power output merely promised to be over 112 HP? Well, the final figures are out, and it turns out the sporty Baleno hot-hatch a bit less powerful than we previously thought.
Biggest highlights of the Baleno RS will be the Maruti’s first turbocharged 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine.
In fact, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine is now claimed to churn out a feeble 102 hp at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 1,700 rpm – 4,500 rpm – the same motor in European-spec cars can reach a stinking power of 112bhp and 175Nm of peak torque. The UK-spec Baleno claims a top speed of 199 KMPH, and can sprint from 0-100 KMPH in just 11.2 seconds.
The reason for that kind of less power, the engine has been forced to de-tuned due to lower grade of fuel available in the country. That said, the Baleno RS will still be Maruti’s most powerful hatchback when it comes on-sale. A 5-speed manual gearbox will be standard fitment, while a 6-speed automatic will likely be added at a later date.
Maruti’s engineers are forced to re-tune this engine due to lower grade of fuel available in India.
Under the skin, there’s a slightly tweaked suspension setup to handle the added power output, 114mm of ground clearance, and disc brakes on all four corners. Addition to the regular model, the Baleno RS will get sportier body kit, larger roof spoiler, black mesh grille, black painted alloy wheels, beefier tyres and RS badges.
The Baleno RS is likely to be available only on the range-topping variants in Alpha and Zeta trims with just 3 paint schemes on offer – Red, Blue and Black for the Indian market. Like the standard Baleno, the Baleno RS will be made available for buyer through its NEXA premium showrooms.
Expect a mileage claim of the new Baleno RS to be in the vicinity of 22 KMPL.
The spy pictures of the Baleno RS here were snapped at unknown stockyard in India, suggesting that the demo cars have already started arriving at dealerships while the launch is scheduled for coming month probably on March 03, 2017.
To read more on Maruti Baleno, Click here
Also see: Maruti Baleno RS 1.0 Alpha – full details-out, launch in early-March
