Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS hot hatch gets a head start: No plans for Dzire RS

India's largest car-maker stepped in to the performance car territory with the launch of Baleno RS in March. The go-faster version came with a more powerful engine compared to the regular Baleno. Despite hot hatches being niche segment, Baleno RS has got an inspiring start.

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Maruti Baleno RS inds around 800 to 1,000 takers per month, reports Oncars. The number might not be on par with other popular cars' sales numbers from Maruti Suzuki. However, it needs to be noted that Baleno RS is significantly priced higher.

While the top-end Baleno variant in manual transmission is priced at Rs 7.29 lakh, Baleno RS is priced at Rs 8.69 lakh, both prices ex-showroom Delhi. Despite the huge difference, Baleno RS registers around 1,000 unit sales.

Maruti Suzuki is clear to make the RS (Road Sport) badge exclusive for its performance cars. The company has even discontinued the Ciaz RS variant, which was only a cosmetic upgrade. The car-maker also says that it has no plans to launch RS variant for the new Dzire.

Baleno RS packs 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine, which is tuned to churn out 100bhp at 5,500rpm and 150Nm of torque at 1,700 to 4,500rpm. This is first turbo-petrol engine in any Maruti Suzuki model sold in India. The mill is mated to five-speed manual transmission. Despite it being performance model, Baleno RS claims to offer an impressive 21.1kmpl of fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki has added a styling kit on Baleno RS to make it look different than other Baleno models. The kit includes tweaked front and rear bumper with sportier stance, mesh-type front grille and side skirts. The rear bumper sports a dual-tone scheme and faux diffuser. One of the most striking features of Baleno RS will be the diamond-cut alloy wheels in dark shade. Baleno RS also boasts of all-black upholstery inside.