Maruti Suzuki launches hot Baleno RS at Rs 8.69 lakh

Maruti Suzuki India, which is to launch 11 new models by the year 2020, launched its second new car of 2017– the steroid-laden Baleno RS – three weeks after it launched the Ignis.

Priced at Rs 8.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Baleno RS marks the introduction of not just the company’s most powerful current petrol-engined model, but also its first foray into turbocharged petrol engines in India.

The engine in question is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol that produces 102hp and 150Nm of torque and falls under Suzuki’s new ‘Boosterjet’ range of forced-induction petrol motors.

These power outputs make it the most powerful engine in the Baleno range, although the torque output falls a little short of the Baleno diesel’s 190Nm. It’s also worth noting that, at 950kg, the RS weighs a bit more than the car equipped with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, even though this is a smaller-displacement motor with one less cylinder.

However, it is still an incredibly low weight for a car of this size and, as we’ve seen with the regular versions, this factor makes for some seriously peppy performance, so it’s likely that the RS will offer even more.

Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, and RS Kalsi, executive director (Marketing & Sales), at the Baleno RS launch. 

Speaking at the latest Maruti's launch in New Delhi, Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said: “With the path-breaking 1.0-litre Boosterjet, Maruti Suzuki marks its entry in the high performance segment. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet Direct Injection turbocharged engine delivers outstanding power, which is 20 percent more, than a conventional 1.2-litre petrol engine. At the same time, torque is over a wide range of rpm and is 30 percent higher than a conventional 1.2-litre petrol engine. The Baleno RS is for the performance enthusiasts who seek more power, throttle response and excitement in their day-to-day driving.”

Raison d'être of the Baleno RS: 1.0-litre, 3-cyl, direct-injection turbo-petrol that develops 102hp and 150Nm of torque.

Wolf in wolf's clothing
In most other respects, the Baleno RS is identical to the standard car. On the outside, certain elements are coloured black, like the alloy wheels and even the headlamp housings. There are very subtle 'skirts' or sill extensions under the doors and front bumper.

Since it will be sold exclusively in the top-spec Alpha trim, the equipment list remains the same and includes goodies like automatic projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, auto climate control, dual airbags, ABS and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay.

Although there is no direct rival for the Maruti Baleno RS, the closest competitor is the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, which has similar outputs from its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine; the major difference being that the Maruti uses only a five-speed manual gearbox, while the Volkswagen uses only a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. There is also the Fiat Abarth Punto which does uses a manual, but its 145hp power output is significantly higher.

As with the regular Baleno, the RS model will be sold exclusively through Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets and orders for the car have already been opened.