As Maruti Suzuki nears the launch of its first Boosterjet engine model Baleno RS in India, the country's largest carmaker has hinted that RS variants of existing models could also make it to the market. But only on the basis of market response for the go-faster version of Baleno.
Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch the much-awaited Baleno RS in India in February 2017 after the launch of Ignis compact crossover. While the powerful variant of Baleno is identical to the regular model, the major difference is the addition of the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine.
According to Indian Autos Blog, the future of other RS models from Maruti Suzuki will be decided by the response to Baleno RS in the Indian market. This is probably the first time that Maruti Suzuki is bringing the RS version of an existing model with major change under the hood. Rumours are already doing the rounds that Maruti Suzuki could consider the Boosterjet engine for many of its upcoming models like Swift Dzire and the new Swift.
At the heart, the new variant of the Baleno will be a 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine, which would churn out close to 110bhp of power and 170Nm of peak torque. It will be either mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The go-faster model of Baleno will also sport exterior and interior changes such as Bi-xenon automatic headlamps with LED DRLs, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, side skirts and new diamond cut alloy wheels along with sportier front and rear bumpers.
Other features expected to be included are reverse camera, automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system with Apple CarPlay.
Baleno RS, which will join the Nexa line-up in India, will be pitted against Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI.
Source: IndianAutosBlog
