Maruti Suzuki will launch its first enthusiast-orientated hatchback in a long time, the Baleno RS, on March 3 in India. But if you’re eager to buy one, you can book the Baleno RS against a token advance payment of Rs 11,000.
And why shouldn’t you be eager anyway?! Because the Maruti Baleno RS gets the hot hatch concept just right. It has a 1-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet (called Boosterjet) which makes 100.5 bhp and 15.29 kgm. The latter is developed between 1,700 rpm and 4,500 rpm, so expect it to be more driveable regardless of traffic conditions. The engine will come mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Also, at 950 kilos (kerb weight), it’s substantially lighter than both the Fiat Abarth Punto and the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI.
The safety equipment is said to confirm to future safety norms, and includes dual airbags, ABS and EBD, seat-belt pretensioners, etc. Unlike the regular car, the Baleno RS also gets an all-round disc-brake setup, so expect it to stop as quickly as it goes. The Baleno’s wasn’t a drab design to start with, but with the addition of the RS monicker, it also gets a slightly updated (read sportier) styling and black alloys. The latter will come with 195-section R16 tyres.
From the information available on the NEXA website, it appears that there will be seven colours to choose from (no black yet) on the Baleno RS, and just one, fully-loaded trim. So everything from automatic climate control to SmartPlay infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity) will be there.
We’ll drive the car soon after its launch, so keep an eye on our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates. And here’s the spec sheet, shared by Maruti Suzuki, to keep you hooked till then:
|
Length |
3,995 mm |
Engine Capacity |
998 cc |
|
Height |
1,510 mm |
Boot Space |
339 litres ** |
|
Width |
1,745 mm |
Wheel Base |
2,520 mm |
|
Max Torque |
150Nm@1700-4500rpm |
Ground Clearance |
170 mm* |
|
Max Power |
75kW@5500rpm |
|
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