Last month Maruti Suzuki India launched two cars in India. One was the all new WagonR, and the other was Baleno Facelift. Based on the Baleno facelift, is its performance variant, Baleno RS – whose deliveries have now started. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Anwesha for sharing the latest photos of 2019 Baleno RS.
Compared to the regular Baleno facelift, which is available in two engine options and 11 variants, the Baleno RS 2019 is offered with a single engine and single trim. Price of regular Baleno ranges from Rs 5.45 lakhs for base petrol to Rs 8.60 lakhs for the top end diesel variant. 2019 Baleno RS is priced at Rs 8.76 lakhs. All prices are ex-sh, Delhi.
Exterior updates include a new front grille, refreshed bumper design and a wider air dam. It also receives new fog lamp console, LED headlamps and 16” diamond cut alloy wheels. Two new colour options of Phoenix Red and Magma Grey Metallic are also added to the existing color options of Pearl Arctic White, Premium Silver, Nexa Blue and Autumn Orange seen on its earlier counterpart.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS facelift is based on the top Alpha trim. It comes with upholstered seats in a dual color scheme, new dashboard with 7” infotainment system with connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets a new navigation set up for traffic updates and speed limit beeper that goes of intermittently at speed of 80 kmph and 100 kmph but sounds continuously when speed crosses the 120 kmph mark.
Despite a makeover in terms of features, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS sees no change in engine specifications. It continues to be powered by a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder BoosterJet petrol engine which delivers 101 hp and 150 Nm. This engine gets mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. Mileage claimed is 21.1 kmpl.
2019 Baleno RS facelift gets enhanced safety features to comply with new safety regulation. It receives a front passenger seatbelt reminder, reverse parking sensors, dual airbags, ABS, EBD and ISOFIX child seat mounts. In terms of competition, Maruti Baleno RS rivals the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. It is on sale via Nexa Maruti dealer.
