Maruti Suzuki launched the updated Baleno in India earlier this week without any fanfare. Now, the price for the performance variant of the hatchback, the Baleno RS, has been announced. At Rs 8.76 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), the updated Baleno RS is just Rs 7,000 more than the older model. The updated Baleno RS still continues to rival against the likes of the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI as well as the Fiat Punto Abarth in India.
Similar to the older RS, the new one carries the same changes as seen on the top-of-the-line Alpha trim of the standard car. Apart from that, the front bumper gets a massive air-vent, thus lending the car a very aggressive stance. The facelifted grille of the standard version is present while the contrasting front lip and side skirt are also part of the update. Maruti's new Smartplay infotainment system and the all blue interiors have been added to the cabin as well. The RS also sits on larger 195/55 R16 profile tyres. And there are discs brakes on all four wheels. Under the hood of the RS in Baleno RS is a 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol engine that produces 100bhp/150Nm. The three-cylinder turbocharged motor is mated to a five-speed manual transmission sending power to the front wheels. Maruti Suzuki claims that the Baleno RS clocks a fuel efficiency of 21.1kmpl.
![Maruti Suzuki Baleno [2019-2022]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/cw/ec/37710/Maruti-Suzuki-Baleno-Right-Front-Three-Quarter-147420.jpg?wm=0&q=80 "Maruti Suzuki Baleno [2019-2022]")
