The Maruti Baleno RS is continuing in the Indian
market with a facelift. Dealership sources have told IAB that the updated model
will cost INR 8.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The performance variant has gained a more aggressive front-end with
the mid-life update, in addition to the new equipment shared with the standard
variant.
The 2019 Maruti Baleno RS sports a more athletic
bumper, new grille design with honeycomb pattern, reshaped lower air intake,
large faux side air intakes and repositioned fog lamps. This is probably how
aggressive the RS customers would have expected the styling right from the beginning.
The new Maruti Baleno RS
features LED projector headlamps, new 16-inch alloy wheels and premium LED rear
combination lamps. We are yet to get a glimpse of the interior, but one can
expect new upholstery and trim. The new 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen
infotainment system is a confirmed upgrade. To meet the upcoming safety
regulations, the RS variant has gained a speed alert system and co-driver SBR.
Under the hood, the 2019 Maruti Baleno RS has the
K10C 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine in the original form. Imported from Japan,
this direct injection turbocharged three-cylinder petrol unit still produces 75
kW (101.97 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 1,700-4,500 rpm. It is
paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The fuel economy rating (ARAI) has
remained the same - 21.1 km/l. As before, the RS variant has a disc brake on
all four wheels for more stopping power.