Maruti Baleno RS to Get 1.0-L BoosterJet Engine; Spotted Testing in India

First unveiled as a concept at the 2016 Auto Expo, Maruti Suzuki's upcoming performance hatchback, Baleno RS is probably one of the most anticipated cars from the Indo-Japanese carmaker this year. Slated for a festive season launch, the Baleno RS will also mark the arrival of Maruti's popular 1.0-Litre BoosterJet engine that has been creating ripples in the international markets. Earlier this month, two test mules of the Baleno RS were spotted testing in Mumbai sans camouflage, indicating that Maruti might not disappoint us this festive season.The car will also mark Maruti's entry into the growing hot hatch segment that currently comprises of the Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5 and Volkswagen Polo GT.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Spied

In terms of design, the Baleno RS looks almost identical to the regular Baleno, with the exception of some minor cosmetic additions. The Baleno RS is likely to come with slightly tweaked headlamps, redesigned front bumper, few bolder character lines, and of course the sporty alloy wheels. If you still fail to distinguish it from the regular Baleno, then you can always find the 'Baleno RS' badging on the rear hatch.

As for its interior, the cabin of the Baleno RS will be largely identical to the regular Baleno. While the basic look still reminds you of the standard Baleno, the car will get all-black interiors, minimal chrome inserts, and sports-style bucket seats at the front with cross stitched upholstery. The centre console will retains the SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay while the multi-function steering wheel from the standard could have been replaced with a flat-bottom unit. You also get aluminium finish pedals to complete the look.

Baleno RS will Get the 1.0-litre BoosterJet Engine

Essentially a more aggressive and powerful version of the regular Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the RS version's biggest distinguishing highlight is the new 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine. This three-cylinder, turbo petrol engine is capable of producing 112bhp and develop peak torque of 175Nm, which makes the soon-to-be launched Baleno RS more powerful than rival Volkswagen Polo GT. The engine will come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission unit, with a CVT unit probably in the pipeline. With this the Baleno RS will the newest addition to the fast-growing 100+ bhp hatchback club in the country.

Image Source: CarDekho/TeamBHP

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