Maruti Suzuki is looking to clear stocks of the performance version of its premium hatchback – the Baleno RS. Priced at Rs 8.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS has been one of the brand’s slower-selling models. Now, it's available with massive discounts and benefits to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh.
In addition to the official Rs 70,000 discount offered by the brand (which does not include the recent Rs 5,000 reduction in price across most Maruti cars and SUVs), Nexa dealers will provide additional discounts and benefits to a total discount of about Rs 1.5 lakh.
While the Baleno RS was already a significant Rs 89,000 cheaper than its main rival (on power), the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI, these benefits make Maruti’s performance hatch even more attractive. However, at 6.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Tata Tiago JTP still undercuts the Baleno RS but is positioned a sub-segment lower in the budget hot-hatch market. The Tata doesn’t get features to match either – the Baleno RS gets the same kit as the top-spec Baleno Alpha such as a rear parking camera, Isofix child-seat mounts, automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, a front-centre armrest, the 7.0-inch SmartPlay infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, keyless entry and push-button start.
The Baleno is the only Maruti car on sale right now to get four engine options – there’s the ubiquitous 83hp, 1.2-litre K12 petrol motor (now BS6-compliant); the new 90hp, 1.2-litre DualJet mild-hybrid petrol engine (also BS6-compliant); the soon-to-be-phased-out 75hp, 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced diesel mill; and the BS4-compliant 102hp, 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol motor available with the Baleno RS.
A BS6-spec Boosterjet engine may not be brought to the Indian market due to low volumes, which could mean we will soon bid goodbye to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, one of the most fun-to-drive cars under Rs 10 lakh in the Indian market. This is one of the reasons why dealers are looking to clear stocks of the BS4 Baleno RS as soon as possible by offering large discounts. However, there is no clarity on the matter of a next-gen Baleno RS yet and no official word from Maruti on a BS6 Boosterjet, either.
In the meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch its new Renault Kwid rival, its SUV-inspired S-Presso, on September 30.
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Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
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