Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS to be launched in February; everything you need to know about Boosterjet version

It looks like 2017 is going to be exciting for the auto lovers in the country. While the first month January will see the arrival of the much-awaited Tata Hexa and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, the merriment will continue until February with the Baleno RS, one of the most anticipated models getting ready to make its entry.

A report of Autocar India says that the Boosterjet engine variant of Maruti Suzuki's premium hatchback the Baleno will see the light of the day in February. The Baleno RS, which was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 in February this year will join the Nexa -- the premium showrooms of Maruti in India. The Baleno with Boosterjet engine will also be an export model.

While the Baleno RS, the powerful version of the hatchback, would share lot of similarities with its regular model, it would feature 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. The Baleno RS will be the only affordable hatchback in the country to be equipped with all-wheel disc brakes after Fiat Abarth Punto.

At the heart, the new variant of the Baleno will get 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. It will come 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, the Baleno RS will be pitted against Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India. The Boosterjet engine variant of the Baleno will be priced higher than the existing model.