The Maruti Baleno RS was first showcased in India at the 2016 Auto Expo. Back then it was confirmed for a festive season launch, but the high demand of the regular Baleno and the Vitara Brezza delayed production plans of the sportier Baleno.
The Maruti Baleno RS gets Suzuki’s new turbocharged 1.0 litre Boosterjet engine making it the first Maruti in India to get this powertrain.
The Maruti Baleno RS launch date is marked in February 2017. The Baleno RS will also be a testing ground for Maruti’s RS plans and based on its success, more models with this engine will come.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno petrol with the regular 1.2-litre naturally aspirated mill ranges from INR 5.25 lakhs INR 7.21 lakhs. The automatic Zeta is priced at INR 7.57 lakhs. The Maruti Baleno RS, thanks to its turbocharged mill and power packed performance, will be priced at a premium. Expect the hot hatch to be priced at around INR 7.8 lakhs for the manual variant.
If Maruti decides to offer an AT, the Maruti Baleno RS automatic could start at INR 8.5 lakhs. All prices here are ex-showroom, Delhi. This will take the Maruti Baleno RS on road price to INR 9 lakhs.
| Specification | Maruti Baleno RS |
| Engine | 1.0 litre Boosterjet |
| Max Power | 110 PS at 5,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 170 Nm at 2,000 to 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual/6 speed automatic |
The Maruti Baleno RS will be powered by a newly developed direct-injection turbo engine that achieves both good fuel economy and driving pleasure, which is made possible by using a small displacement, high torque turbocharger. By controlling the wastegate valve, which closes to create higher boost pressure during heavy-load operation and remains opened during normal driving, the Boosterjet reduces pumping loss, thus achieving high levels of both power performance and also fuel efficiency.
The 1.0 litre turbocharged Boosterjet mill is capable of producing 110 PS of maximum power at 5,500 rpm and 170 Nm of peak torque in the range of 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.
The Maruti Baleno RS has a high-performance engine, but that does not stop it from registering an excellent fuel efficiency. Turbocharging ensures the performance of a bigger engine and helps the Baleno Boosterjet return a mileage of 22.2 km/l (European model). The Maruti Baleno RS mileage is expected to hover around the 22 km/l mark.
While there has been no confirmation, the Maruti Baleno RS may be fitted with an automatic gearbox as well. This will allow Maruti to further expand the idea of premiumness of the Baleno RS. Suzuki had earlier announced that the 1.0 litre Boosterjet engine can also be fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox enables high performance at low speeds and optimum fuel efficiency at high speeds.
Maruti Suzuki is expected to offer the Baleno RS based on the top-end Alpha trim. Features list will include a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensor with camera, steering mounted controls, auto climate control and a coloured TFT driver instrumentation much like the one seen in the standard Baleno.
The leather upholstery may get a sportier touch to add an image of performance to the car. The Baleno RS will also get a sporty body kit to differentiate it from the standard Baleno. This might include a new alloy wheel shape, front bumper lip spoiler, side skirts, redesigned rear bumper and a blackened mesh front radiator protection grille.
As it is retailed through NEXA, the Baleno RS will get dual SRS front airbags as standard. Maruti might even throw in a 6 airbag package to keep up with the premium image of the car. Apart from this, ABS with EBD, seatbelt with pre-tensioners will be standard. Radar Brake Support found in the European Baleno will continue to be absent.
