Explorer

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing?

The long-awaited Baleno RS was finally launched last week at Rs 8.69 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. That put it at a price premium of around Rs 1.40 lakh over the regular Baleno Alpha petrol and Rs 25,000 over the equivalent Baleno diesel. Apart from the new, more powerful Boosterjet engine, it gets a few cosmetic changes, a new manual transmission and rear wheel disc brakes. However, there are a few features that Maruti could have offered with the car to improve its credentials as a hot hatchback.

Distinctive Interior

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing? The Baleno’s cabin, is, no doubt, a good place to be in. There’s oodles of space, a super-detailed instrument cluster and a clean centre console. However, with the RS, Maruti could have offered something to make it more distinctive. Simple add-ons like some RS insignia on the dashboard, contrast stitching on the seat fabric, RS branded illuminated scuff plates or aluminium floor pedals would make the Baleno RS feel more unique on the inside.

Sportier Seats

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing? As we discovered in our track test, the seats need better side bolstering to offer more support while cornering. They’ve have been carried forward from the standard Baleno, which means they are comfort-centric and not ideal for spirited driving.

New Wheels

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing? The 16-inch wheels of the Baleno aren’t the most stylish to begin with. Maruti has painted the same wheels black on the RS and it would have been better if the car was offered with a sportier and more aggressively styled set of wheels.

Shorter Gear Throws

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing? The Maruti Baleno RS has a different five-speed manual gearbox than the one offered in the standard car – one that is capable of handling the higher torque output of 150Nm (35Nm more than the 1.2 K-Series unit). However, the throws of the gear lever feel a tad too long and it isn’t as engaging to use as say, the Swift’s.

Slightly Lowered Suspension

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing? The Baleno’s ground clearance of 170mm is adequate for Indian roads, but that’s a part of the standard car’s design, which is focused on comfort and practicality. The Baleno RS’ suspension could have been lowered by 10-15mm, leaving it still usable on Indian roads, but improving its handling and reducing body roll too.

Exhaust Note

Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS – What’s missing? Wishful thinking, but it would have been nice if the Baleno RS had a sportier or more audible exhaust note, to make each drive more enjoyable. What do you think about the Baleno RS? What do you like/not like about the performance hatch? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! Source: cardekho.com
View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headline

I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
I.N.D.I.A Bloc In Bihar: Here's How Congress, RJD Have Decided To Share Seats After JD-U's Exit
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
'BJP Should Pay Rs 4,600 Crore': Congress Slams Income Tax Dept, ECI After Getting Rs 1,700-Crore Notice
Another Blow To Congress As I-T Dept Serves Rs 1,700-Crore Notice Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections: Report
Another Blow To Congress As I-T Dept Serves Rs 1,700-Crore Notice Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections
Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM
Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CM
Advertisement
for smartphones
and tablets

Videos

ABP Shikhar Sammelan 2024: Anurag Thakur takes a jibe at Arvind Kejriwal's arrest | ABP NewsArvind Kejriwal Arrest: Sunita Kejriwal Launches WhatsApp Campaign To Drum Up Support For Jailed Delhi CMABP SHIKHAR SAMMELAN 2024: Here's What Defence Minister Reveals About His Further Political PlansABP SHIKHAR SAMMELAN 2024: PM Modi's Words & Deeds Aligned, Says Rajnath Singh | ABP News

Photogallery

Embed widget