Following the government’s reduction of corporate tax, Maruti Suzuki decided to pass on a portion of that benefit to customers by cutting down the prices of select models by INR 5,000. Along with it, the country’s leading passenger car maker has slashed the price of Baleno RS hatchback by a massive INR 1 lakh.
Team BHP member Leoshashi reveals that the price cut is effective and is with respect to the hatchback’s ex-showroom price. It is not common for Maruti to offer such a hefty discount on its products but the current slowdown has put immense pressure on company to reduce its inventory level.
The Maruti Baleno has been one of the best selling cars in India since its launch but the RS performance variant powered by 1.0-liter Boosterjet three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is not the most popular choice.
The mainstream 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and 1.3-liter diesel engine have been the primary volume pullers for the Hyundai i20 rival. The turbocharged petrol unit of Baleno RS is good for 100 hp and 150 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission.
At INR 8.88 lakhs, the original ex-showroom price of Maruti Baleno RS was around INR 1 lakh more than the top-of-the-line 1.2-liter Zeta petrol manual variant. With the massive discount which is aimed at clearing stock, the Baleno RS variant has emerged as a very tempting proposition. For the same price as the regular hatchback, you get a more powerful motor in a sportier package.
Made in India for global consumption, the Maruti Baleno has been declining in popularity in the European markets. For instance, Suzuki UK had recently discontinued the hatchback as a part of its portfolio restructuring.
While the Baleno is way too important for Maruti in India, we think that the chances of RS variant receiving BS-VI upgrade are slim. So, if you fancy a Baleno with turbocharged petrol motor, now is a good time to buy one.
As the whole industry is eager to deplete its high levels of BS-IV inventory ahead of the new emission regulations, we are expecting to see very aggressive discounts by almost all automakers.
