Maruti Suzuki India today marked its entry into a high-performance segment with the Baleno RS comprising of 1.0-litre Booster Jet turbocharged petrol engine. This is the most advanced engine ever to be launched by Maruti in India.
Baleno RS – Built for those who look for more performance in their everyday drive.
The Baleno RS brings to India Suzuki’s latest innovation – 1.0-litre Boosterjet Direct Injection Turbo Charged engine – which delivers 20% more power and 30% more torque than a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine develops 8PS more in the international markets, however, de-tuned here due to lower grade of fuel available in India.
Boosterjet is a powerful combination of two technologies: Direct Injection System and a Turbo charger. This unit produces 75 kW (101 hp) at 5500 rpm and 150 Nm at 1700-4500 rpm. Transmission option on offer is a 5-speed manual gearbox. No automatic or CVT is on offer. The company claims that the Baleno RS delivers a fuel efficiency of 21.1 KMPL.
The Baleno RS is the first hot-hatchback from Maruti.
Exterior additions include a black mesh grille, sportier bumpers with larger intake, silver highlights, black-painted 16-inch rims, an aggressive rear bumper, and a roof spoiler. On the inside, the equipment list include keyless entry with push button start, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs, LED taillamps, 4.2 inch color MID, auto dimming IRVM, 7 inch Smartplay with reverse camera and Apple CarPlay support, and automatic climate control.
As far safety is concerned, the Baleno RS comes with dual airbags and ABS with EBD as well as has been crash tested for side impact, front offset and pedestrian safety compliance. It also gets disc brakes all around. Maruti also offers ISOFIX child seat mounting points in it.
A new aluminium diffuser at the rear is a welcome change to the looks of the Baleno RS.
This performance version of the Baleno will only be offered in top-of-the-line Alpha trim priced at Rs 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It will compete against the other affordable performance hatchbacks on-sale in the Indian market like the Fiat Abarth Punto and even the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI.
To read more on Maruti Baleno, Click here
Also see: Maruti Baleno RS – open for bookings online, launched on March 03
GALLERY: Maruti Baleno RS
