India's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki showcased Baleno RS and Ignis concepts at Auto Expo 2016. The car-maker also confirmed launch of production-spec version this year. However, there were reports that launch of both vehicles has been pushed to next year due to the production constraints. RS Kalsi, head of marketing and sales at Maruti Suzuki India has now confirmed launch of both vehicles this year itself.
In an interview with ET Auto, RS Kalsi said: "By 2020, we expect 15 per cent of sales to come from Nexa, up from 10 per cent now. We are launching two more products, Ignis and Baleno RS, by the end of this year."
It was reported that Ignis launch has been postponed due to production constraints. Maruti Suzuki Manesar and Gurgaon plants are currently producing maximum capacity, yet the car maker is struggling to deliver popular models such as Vitara Brezza and Baleno RS as per the demand. Both vehicles have nearly 50,000 units of backlog. Hence, reports were stating any new car launch from Maruti Suzuki will happen only in 2017 after Gujarat manufacturing unit starts functioning.
With the arrival of Baleno RS and Ignis, Maruti Suzuki Nexa product range will have four products, the others being Baleno and S-Cross. The Baleno RS is a sportier version of the Baleno with a beefier front bumper and rear bumper. Rear bumper will also feature a dual-tone scheme with faux diffusers. Other styling add-ons include side skirts and new diamond-cut alloy wheels in dark shade. The variant has been confirmed to have the Boosterjet engine of Suzuki. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine is a turbocharged petrol unit that will develop close to 110bhp and 170Nm of peak torque.
The Ignis is the first compact crossover of Maruti Suzuki. Under the hood, the Ignis is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit and the transmission is likely to be a five-speed manual gearbox.
