Maruti Baleno RS with 1L Boosterjet confirmed for India - Auto Expo 2016 [Update]

Will be sold through NEXA outlets.

The Maruti Baleno RS concept has been unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016, along with the Maruti Ignis concept. Maruti also confirmed its launch for the Indian market in the festive season of 2016. The company confirmed that it will be sold through its NEXA channel.

Powering the Baleno RS is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injected Boosterjet petrol engine. Maruti did not disclose any power or torque figures, but the European version of the regular Baleno with this engine develops 110 hp and 170 Nm of torque.

The Maruti Baleno RS concept appears to be in a near-production guise, as there's almost nothing on the car that is too complex or expensive for mass production. The concept features restyled bumpers, black license plate enclosure, unique alloy wheels, body kit, wind deflectors and a body kit not to mention a honeycomb grille layout.

Maruti said that the Baleno RS will provide "enhanced performance and driving pleasure", and that the concept was a showcase of how its possible to get even more excitement and performance from the premium hatchback.

It is to be noted that Maruti will produce the Boosterjet engine in India for even the export-spec Baleno models.