Maruti Suzuki Baleno 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol spotted in production-guise

As Maruti Suzuki continues to test the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine version of its popular hatchback Baleno on the Indian roads, a fresh batch of the model's photos has surfaced online, this time giving an early glimpse at the production version of the model.

Caught on camera by GaadiWaadi, the latest set of images of the Baleno 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol shows the model in Black body paint and from the look, it appears to be in its production guise.

Maruti Suzuki is putting both the export model and the India-spec version of the Baleno 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol through test in the country. The India-spec version of Baleno with 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol mill will go on sale as Baleno RS. Maruti is expected to launch Baleno RS in early 2017 and the powerful version of Baleno will be sold through Nexa.

The highlight of Baleno RS is its Boosterjet engine under the hood. This is the first turbo-petrol model from Maruti Suzuki and the mill is expected to dish out 110bhp and 170Nm of peak torque. It will be either mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It is also rumoured to come with paddle shifters.

Baleno in its powerful avatar looks identical to the regular model; it does get a sportier front and rear bumpers. Baleno RS will be the only affordable hatchback in the country to be equipped with all-wheel disc brakes after Fiat Abarth Punto. Baleno RS will be equipped with ABS and dual airbags as standard. Other features expected to be included are reverse camera, automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system with Apple CarPlay.

The interior of Baleno RS is expected to get sport leather upholstery for seats with RS branding. The sportier version of the premium hatchback is also expected with sport aluminium pedals and special floor mats.

When launched, Baleno RS will be pitted against Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India. Baleno, which is currently being sold through Maruti's premium Nexa showrooms in India, is powered by the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine tuned to develop 83bhp and 115Nm of torque and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill churns out 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and the petrol engine is also available with CVT automatic gearbox.

Image Source: GaadiWaadi