Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS slated for September launch: Report

It looks like the launch of the Baleno RS, the Boosterjet engine-powered version of the popular premium hatchback the Baleno, has almost been confirmed as the emerging reports indicate that the hatchback could arrive in September.

Although Maruti, the country's largest car-maker had hinted that the Baleno RS and Ignis would come to the Indian market during the festive season of this year, it did not divulge the exact launch details. Now a report of Oncars.in says that the Baleno RS will be launched in the country in September this year. However, the report did not specify the exact launch date. The Baleno RS, the next model to join the company's Nexa premium line-up, is expected to be priced at about Rs.9 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Baleno RS, which made its debut at the Auto Expo 2016, is the first car in India to be powered by the Boosterjet of Suzuki. The 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine would churn out close to 110bhp of power and 170Nm of peak torque. It will take on the likes of Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India. The transmission in the new variants of the Baleno is expected to be taken care of by a six-speed automatic transmission.

From a visual stand point, although the Baleno RS would look identical to the regular model of the hatchback, it will come packed with additional features like side skirts and new diamond cut alloy wheels. The new variant will also get sportier front and rear bumpers. Other features expected include reverse camera, automatic climate control and 7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay entertainment system with Apple CarPlay.

[1 lakh = 100,000 | 1 crore = 10 million | 100 crore = 1 billion]