Along with the standard Baleno facelift, Maruti has also launched the 2019 Baleno RS facelift in India. The performance-oriented Baleno is priced at Rs 8.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), a premium of Rs 23,000 over the pre-facelift model and Rs 1.31 lakh over the top-spec Baleno petrol.
Aesthetically, the new RS looks more aggressive than before. It features a new front bumper which gets a larger central airdam and even bigger fog lamps housings. The grille and the airdam feature a honeycombed mesh, unlike the regular hatchback. The headlamps are identical, though, but get LED projector units instead of the bi-xenon projectors in the old RS. Like the standard Baleno facelift, the new RS too features new dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels. While Maruti has not revealed the rear profile of the RS, it is likely to be similar to the previous model as is the case with the updated standard Baleno. The rear profile of the new Baleno looks identical to the outgoing model except for slightly tweaked tail lamps.
As far as features are concerned, like its predecessor, the new RS also shares its feature list with the top-spec Baleno Alpha. Safety features on offer include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, speed warning system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder and rear parking sensors. The RS also comes with rear disc brakes, unlike the standard Baleno.
Other features on offer include auto LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, new 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto dimming IRVM, auto AC, rear parking camera and electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs. Expect Maruti to offer a sport upholstery with the RS this time around.
Under the hood, the new RS carries forward the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the outgoing model that makes 102PS of power and 150Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Baleno RS goes up against cars like the Polo GT and the Abarth Punto as well as the relatively economical Tata Tiago JTP.
By: CarDekho
