2019 Maruti Baleno RS (facelift) priced at INR 8.76 lakh

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).

Maruti Suzuki has released one image of the 2019 Baleno RS, saving more for the launch that will take place next month. 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.

Like the facelifted Baleno, 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.

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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.