Though the Maruti Baleno is selling like a hot cake even a year after its launch, the company has plans to further increase sales numbers. At the Auto Expo 2016, MSIL showcased the Maruti Baleno RS, and announced that its launch would take place around Diwali.
Here are 5 things we know about the Maruti Baleno RS -
Introduces the DICT engine
The Maruti Baleno RS will introduce the 1.0-liter three-cylinder direct-injection and turbocharged Boosterjet engine in the Indian market. This engine is already available on the Baleno in international markets exported from India, and marks the carmaker's entry into gasoline turbocharging.
Power output close to 110 hp
The 1.0-liter Boosterjet engine develops 110 hp and 160 Nm of torque in the European market owing to the superior Euro-6 grade fuel. For the Indian market though, which is often criticised as having 'poor' fuel quality, Maruti's engineers are retuning this engine, but sources who spoke to Indian Autos Blog said that the power output should be in the range of 105-110 hp.
Higher mileage
In comparison to the Maruti Baleno 1.2-liter K-Series petrol, the Baleno RS is expected to be more fuel efficient. For reference, the Baleno 1.2 petrol achieves 21.4 km/l in the ARAI tests.
4. Sales will continue from NEXA
The Maruti Baleno RS, like the regular Baleno, will be retailed through the premium NEXA sales outlets. These outlets, which are about 100 in number, retail the Maruti S-Cross and Baleno, but are confirmed to sell the Baleno RS and the Maruti Ignis as well.
Same features with different look and finish
The Maruti Baleno RS will carry over its features from the regular Baleno, which gets ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, HID projector headlights, touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system and automatic climate control. In addition, the Baleno RS is expected to receive a different design for the alloy wheels, faux-leather seats and contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.
