The excitement that a performance car can
create starts well before you turn on the
key. A lot of that is down to the visual
drama the car creates. Yes, the Baleno RS
does look different, but the differences are
more apparent when the two Balenos ( the
RS and the standard) stand next to each
other. The front and rear bumpers have
been resculpted for a bit more aggression.
Also, the front grille is new. Maruti Suzuki
has replaced the cascading grille of the
Baleno with a mesh structure to
complement the Baleno RS’ exteriors.
While the alloy wheels are the same as the
standard Baleno, they are painted black on
the RS and give it some much needed
attitude. In isolation, those who appreciate
performance cars without much flash would
love it. And because I fall into that
category, I like it that way. But that doesn’t
mean I am satisfied.The Baleno with the 111PS Boosterjet
engine that is exported abroad stands only
120mm above the ground, and that’s a full
50mm lower than the RS! And, just to
make it clear, the Baleno RS stands
170mm above the ground, which is the
same as the standard Baleno. While 50mm
might have been a bit too much, lowering
the RS by 10-20mm would have given it a
more confident stance and helped with
dynamics too. Along with the underbody
spoilers, it would have looked fantastic,
with multiplied aerodynamic advantage.