Spied: Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Spotted Yet Again

A fresh set of images of the new Baleno has now emerged on the internet. The images reveal the new Baleno RS without any camouflage or covers. According to some reports that surface before, the exterior of the Baleno RS will not feature the ‘RS' badging. But from the new rear profile spy image, we can clearly see the ‘RS' badging on the lower right side of the hatch.

Maruti Suzuki will launch the Baleno RS in the country on March 3. The powerful hatch was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2016. The RS version of Maruti Baleno will retail through the firm's premium NEXA dealerships.

The Baleno RS will feature some slightly tweaked design elements to make it more appealing. The exterior design of the car will remain same as the standard variant, but, the front and rear bumper are now redesigned and are more aggressive to give sporty look.

The Baleno RS will get bi-xenon projector headlamps and electrically-operated OVRMs. Inside, the RS version will feature an updated dashboard and SmartPlay infotainment system with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Baleno RS will draw power from a 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine that is tuned to churn out 100bhp of power and 150Nm of peak torque. This is Maruti Suzuki's first turbo-petrol engine and will come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of dimensions, the RS version will measure 3995mm in length, 1745mm in width, 1510mm in height and a wheelbase of 2520mm. The fuel tank capacity of the new model will be 37 litres.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS is expected to be priced around Rs 8 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. The RS version will take on Volkswagen Polo GTI and Fiat Punto Abarth in the premium hatchback segment.