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The BoosterJet engine loves to be revved to the redline
Performance – Powering the Baleno RS is a new 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol motor that produces 100 HP of power at 5500 RPM and 150 Nm of torque at 1700-4500 RPM. Maruti claims that the BoosterJet engine produces 20 percent more power and 30 percent more torque compared to a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine. Low end torque delivery is quite good and this means you can reduce the number of gearshifts in city traffic. The performance is peppy and quite linear. The NVH is excellent for a 3-cylinder engine. It is a free revving engine redlining at 6000 RPM. At the back straight of the BIC the Baleno RS topped at 170 km/hr in the fourth gear.
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The suspension has been given a stiffer setting
Driving Dynamics – The Baleno RS has gained 60 kgs over the regular model and the carmaker has retuned the suspension making it a tad stiffer. The steering weighs up beautifully and the handling is much better than the regular Baleno. It now feels more eager to turn in and that inspires confidence at high speeds. To keep up with the performance, Maruti has got rear disc brakes to improve stopping power and the brakes really feel more effective.
