A fresh batch of images of the purported Maruti Suzuki Baleno with Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine has surfaced online, ahead of its possible debut at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016. Baleno, with Boosterjet 1.0-liter turbocharged unit, is currently being planned only for export.

Snapped by Indian Autos Blog in Kochi, the spy shots show a black Baleno. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol unit is expected to produce 110bhp and 170Nm torque. Although there is no official word yet on whether the same engine will also make it to the India-specific model or not, rumour has it that the Boosterjet engine could be launched in India later this year.

Currently, Baleno is powered by the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine tuned to develop 83bhp and 115Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill churns out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and the petrol engine is also available with CVT automatic gearbox. If this rings true, Baleno would become one of the most powerful hatchbacks in the country. The Boosterjet is expected to come mated to the 5-speed manual gearbox.

For export, India will become a manufacturing hub for Baleno with 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol. We have also learnt that Maruti has plans to export Baleno with 1.4-litre engine to the South African market.

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Offered in four trims and seven colours, Baleno is sold through Maruti's premium Nexa dealerships in India. Baleno is offered with safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD across all variants.