Rumour: Maruti Baleno RS to launch in India in February 2017

As per recent media reports, Maruti Suzuki will be launching the Baleno RS in India in February next year. The RS will essentially be a performance-oriented iteration of the regular Baleno hatchback. It will go on sale in India through the Nexa dealership chain.

The Baleno RS has been spotted testing in India on various occasions. It is cosmetically similar to the regular Baleno, though Maruti will be offering the RS version with an exclusive black colour option. The car is also expected to get disc brakes on all four wheels.

Powering the Baleno RS will be Suzuki's new 1.0-litre BoosterJet petrol engine. It is expected to develop 109 BHP and 160 Nm of torque. While earlier reports suggested that the car will be coming with a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, recent speculations suggest a 5-speed MT to be the only transmission option available.

Maruti will be placing the Baleno RS in the hot hatch segment in India, in order to compete against the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and the Abarth Punto.

Source: Autocar India