Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS spotted

Maruti Suzuki's first performance-oriented hatchback, the Baleno RS, will be introduced on March 3. However, the production-spec Baleno RS has been spotted for the first time ahead of its launch. The Baleno RS will be the first-ever turbocharged petrol-powered Maruti and will compete with cars like the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI and the Abarth Punto.

Speaking of the visible changes, the spied production version looks quite similar to the concept the automaker showcased at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. Seems like Maruti added the ‘concept’ moniker at the Auto Expo just for the sake of it. 

The Baleno RS features a sportier, redesigned front and rear bumpers along with body skirts. It also receives a new mesh grille, while the chrome elements are identical to the stock car. The alloy wheels are carried over, which look drab in comparison to, say, the Elite i20’s or the Abarth Punto's. This is a lame move since, considering the go-fast character of the vehicle, Maruti could have easily offered the sportier-looking alloys that are available with the international-spec car. The RS is said to be based on the top-end Alpha trim of the Baleno; so all the features will be carried over as it is. 

Source: Cardekho.com