Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS to feature premium interior; go faster version to be launched in early 2017

Maruti Suzuki Baleno's go faster version, the Baleno was supposed to enter market during the festive season of 2016. Production constraints of the manufacturer has pushed the launch to early 2017. Emerging reports indicates, interior of the Baleno RS will have premium features compared to the regular sibling.

The interior of the Baleno RS will sport leather upholstery for seats with RS branding, reports Oncars. The Baleno RS will also flaunt features such as rain-sensing wipers, reverse camera, automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The sportier version of the premium hatchback is also expected with sport aluminium pedals and special floor mats.

The hot hatch will come with disc brakes for all four wheels. Apart from the Fiat Abarth Punto, this will be the only affordable hatchback in the country to be equipped with all-wheel disc brakes. The braking will be assisted by ABS, while dual airbags will be offered as standard.

The highlight of Baleno RS is its Boosterjet heart. 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. The transmission is also rumoured with paddle shifters.

Mauti Suzuki will differentiate Baleno RS from the regular Baleno with sportier front and rear bumpers. The rear bumper will feature dual-toned scheme with faux diffusers. It will also get Bi-xenon automatic headlamps with LED DRLs, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, side skirts and new diamond-cut alloy wheels in dark shade.

When launched, the Baleno RS will go up against the Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India. It will be sold through Maruti Suzuki Nexa premium dealerships.