Maruti Suzuki begins online bookings for upcoming Baleno RS

Maruti Suzuki is finally going to launch an RS version of the popular selling hatchback Baleno. The all new Baleno RS is expected to launch on 3 March and according to sources, the carmaker has started accepting online bookings for the upcoming car at a refundable amount of Rs 11,000. The waiting period of the car is expected to be four to six weeks, which clearly means that it is already in demand just like the regular version of the Baleno.The Baleno RS will be Maruti's second car launch for 2017 after the Ignis and also the entry into the hot hatch 100bhp segment. The new Baleno RS will feature a new turbocharged 1.0 litre BoosterJet 3-cylinder petrol engine. It has been tweaked to produce up to 101 bhp and develop 150 Nm of peak torque at 1700 rpm. Considering the global market, India gets a detuned engine as globally the same engine produces 112 bhp.The new RS version looks quite similar to its regular hatchback version, but there are a few changes here and there. There is a new grille, revised headlamps with projector lights and LED daytime running lights. There is a wider airdam and larger round fog lamps on the front bumper with a more prominent silver lip. There is a lot of chrome used on the RS version including the grille, door handles and at the back and you also get new black alloy wheels.As for the interiors, the new Baleno RS gets a SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, aluminium finish pedals, dual front airbags, pinch guard power window for the driver, ISOFIX child seat mount, reverse parking camera and more.With this configuration the new Baleno RS will face competition from the Volkswagen Polo GT, Ford Figo 1.5 Ti-VCT, and Fiat Punto Evo.