Leaked: Maruti Baleno RS 1.0 liter specifications

Maruti Suzuki India launched their premium hatchback Baleno in India back in 2015. One of the best selling cars in the country, Baleno sits above the Swift in the company line-up and rivals with the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, VW Polo, Fiat Punto, Honda Jazz and the likes.

As of now the Baleno is only offered with a petrol 1.2 liter and diesel 1.3 liter engine option. Now, Mauruti Suzuki is getting ready to launch a more powerful and efficient 1.0 liter petrol three cylinder engine option with the Baleno. Called Baleno RS, it will be launched in March 2017.

Engine & Transmission
Maruti Baleno RS was showcased as a concept earlier last year at the 2016 Auto Expo. This is a sportier and premium variant of existing Baleno. Power to the Baleno RS comes from 1.0-liter BoosterJet engine which delivers 110 PS and 170 Nm torque in the UK-spec. This version also claims a top speed of 199 kmph, and a 0-100 kmph sprint time of just 11.2 seconds.

Thanks to the leaked spec sheet, in India this engine will be good to deliver 75 kW (101 hp) at 5500 rpm and 150 Nm at 1700-4500 rpm. Transmission options on offer will be 5 speed manual as well as a 6 speed auto. Expect mileage claim of the new Baleno RS to be in the vicinity of 20 kmpl.

Exteriors & Interiors
As far as exteriors are concerned, it carries forward the same design language as seen on the standard Baleno. Based on the Liquid Flow design philosophy, some of the exterior features are – projector headlamps, LED DRLs, optional 16 inch alloy with wider 195/55 rubber, LED tail lamps, chrome slat at the rear, V shaped grille, wider air dams in the front, new exterior colour options, new alloys, side skirts, black mesh in front grille, etc.

Interior design remains same. It will get all-black interiors with Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted controls, Auto AC, airbags, ABS, keyless entry, start/stop, power windows, etc.

Manufactured at their plant in Haryana, Maruti Suzuki is the sole manufacturer of Baleno in the world as of now. Last year, the car maker celebrated the successful landing of India-made Baleno in Japan. This makes Maruti Suzuki as the country’s first ever car maker to export cars to the home country (Japan) of its parent company (Suzuki).

This article has first appeared on Rushlane.com