2018 Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS review, road test

Maruti's crack at the hot hatch segment comes in the form of the Baleno RS. The variant is based on the top-spec Alpha variant and carries over all the bells and whistles that a fully loaded Baleno is offered with.

It retains the projector headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, the LED taillamps and the 16-inch alloy wheels as well. Updates come in the form of blacked-out wheels, and a subtle body kit all round that gives the RS a sporty touch. Find out what other variants of Maruti Baleno offer in terms of comfort and safety features.

Step inside the Maruti Baleno RS and everything will seem familiar. There's no difference compared to the standard car as far as layout and equipment are concerned. The RS gets goodies such automatic climate control, a 7-inch 'SmartPlay' touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Navigation, steering-mounted audio controls and a detailed driver information display (MID). The Maruti Baleno RS also features the usual convenience features which include all four power windows, reach and rake adjust for the steering, and a height-adjustable driver seat. Speaking of practicality, the Maruti Baleno RS features the same voluminous 339-litre boot and gets a 60:40 split for the rear bench too.

The biggest change is the new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine. Called the 'Boosterjet', this three-cylinder engine develops 102PS of power and 150Nm of torque. The engine will be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission only, there will be no automatic on offer. Notably, these figures are a notch lower than the Euro-spec Baleno Boosterjet, that pumps out 110PS and 169Nm. The numbers are nearly on par with its arch rival - the Volkswagen GT TSi that features a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol that makes 110PS and 175Nm. However, what is likely to tilt the game in the Maruti Baleno RS favour is its low 950kg kerb weight.

The other mechanical update in the Maruti Baleno RS is the addition of rear disc brakes. This should help the quicker Baleno shed speed equally quickly. In the safety department, the RS comes with dual airbags and anti-lock brakes.