The automotive landscape is waiting for the fall of the festive season to see the arrival of the new models in the market. Car-makers in the country are busy putting their upcoming offerings through final testing. This festive season is expected to see cars from auto-majors Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault, and Tata Motors.
From Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car-maker's stable, this festive season is likely to see two models -- Ignis and the Baleno RS. While the Ignis is a small crossover, the Baleno RS is the Boosterjet engine-powered version of the company's popular premium hatchback the Baleno.
Maruti had showcased both Ignis and the Baleno RS at the Auto Expo 2016 in February. Here we roundup everything you need to know about the Baleno RS from its features to the expected price tag.
Six quick points about the Baleno RS
The Baleno RS, which made its debut at the Auto Expo 2016, is the first car in India to be powered by the Boosterjet of Suzuki.
The Baleno RS is the next model to join the company's Nexa premium line-up and is expected to be priced at about Rs.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The Nexa currently sells the Baleno and the S-cross.
The 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine in Baleno would churn out close to 110bhp of power and 170Nm of peak torque and the transmission in the new variant of the Baleno is expected to be taken care of by a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Baleno RS will be pitted against Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India
The changes on the exterior will inculde side skirts and new diamond cut alloy wheels. The new variant will also get sportier front and rear bumpers.
Other features expected include reverse camera, automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system with Apple CarPlay.
