Surging demand for Baleno delays launch of Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Baleno RS

The Ignis and the Baleno RS are now expected to come in early 2017.

As the uncertainty over the launch of the mini-crossover of the Ignis and the Boosterjet engine version of the premium hatchback the Baleno continues, the emerging reports suggest that the unprecedented demand for the Baleno has put the carmaker in a tough situation.

The Baleno, the second model which went on sale through Maruti's Nexa premium showrooms has been a phenomenal success in India. The premium hatchback, which takes on the likes of Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz, has crossed sales of 1 lakh marks recently. The scaling demand for the Baleno has also prompted the company to ramp up the production and interestingly, the hatchback continues to have prolonged waiting period.

According to latest reports, the production constraint could delay the launch of the Ignis and the Baleno RS in India. Both the Ignis and the Baleno RS have been linked to several launch dates in the country since their debut at the Auto Expo 2016 and the latest that we hear is that the launch would happen only in 2017.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Ignis, which will mark the entry of Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest carmaker into the compact crossover segment will be the third to be sold through Nexa in India. Ignis is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit. Maruti is also said to be considering a 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine for Ignis and could also be available with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) box.

In India, Ignis will be pitted against Mahindra KUV100. Maruti Suzuki Ignis is expected to get a price tag of Rs 5.5 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS

The Baleno RS, the Boosterjet variant of the Baleno hatchback will 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 be either mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The Baleno RS would look identical to the regular model of the hatchback, but 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. It will take on the likes of Fiat Abarth Punto, Ford Figo 1.5-litre petrol and Volkswagen Polo GT TSI in India.