You can watch the live-stream of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS launch here:
Update 6: The interiors of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS remain unchanged as compared to the regular Baleno. Following are a few images:
Update 5: The performance oriented Baleno is 60 kgs heavier over the standard model. It comes equipped with safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt pre-tensioners with force safe limiters, ISOFIX seats, pedestrian protection as well as full frontal, frontal offset and side impact.
Update 4: The Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS will be available only in the top-end Alpha trim. Prices for the Baleno RS start at 8.69 Lakh (Ex-Delhi).
Update 3: The Baleno RS will source power from a 998cc Boosterjet petrol motor that produces 100 bhp at 5500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 1700 rpm and 4500 rpm.
Update 2: The Baleno RS will come equipped with a sporty body kit. Visual upgrades to the model include a new front grille, front bumper, under-body spoilers, black alloy wheels and the RS logo on the tail-gate.
Update 1: The Baleno RS will be available with seven colour options: Fire Red, Pearl Arctic White, Premium Urban Blue, Premium Silver, Granite Grey, Ray Blue and Autumn Orange.
Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the new Baleno RS in a few minutes. While we are getting you live updates, you can also check out the live-stream video on our Facebook page. Bookings for the Baleno RS began last week against an amount of INR 11,000. Bookings can be made through the Nexa website.
Visual differences that separate the Baleno RS from the regular model include redesigned front bumper with sporty extensions, a mesh grille, side skirts, chrome door handles, darkened alloy wheels, and a sportier rear bumper with faux honeycomb inserts.
Powering the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS would be a 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine. This 998cc three cylinder turbo-petrol engine produces 100 bhp at 5500 rpm and 150 Nm between 1700-4500 rpm. Transmission duties would be handled by a five speed manual transmission that would send power to the front wheels. Details about an automatic transmission remain scarce although it is likely that the company would introduce the feature later during the product’s life-cycle.
A few other significant changes on the Baleno RS over the standard Baleno include disc brakes on all four corners and 16 inch wheels as standard. It is believed that the suspension of the performance oriented premium hatchback will be tweaked to handle the extra power output.
Upon launch, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS will rival the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and the Fiat Abarth Punto. The model will be sold exclusively through the Nexa chain of dealerships. Don’t forget to keep hitting that refresh button!
Following is an image gallery of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS (click to expand):
