Suzuki Baleno Sport in the works

The sportier Baleno is expected to be based on the facelift version already on sale in India; no mechanical changes expected.

Published On Mar 25, 2019 11:13:00 AM

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The Suzuki Baleno Sport concept at GIIAS 2018.

The India-spec Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS.

Back in October 2018, Suzuki Indonesia had showcased two sporty concepts based on the Ertiga MPV and the Baleno hatchback. The Japanese brand recently took the wraps off the Suzuki Ertiga Sport, and now, it will reveal the sportier iteration of the Baleno.

The Suzuki Baleno Sport that was showcased at the GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show) 2018 featured a murdered-out all-black look, with a contrasting red side skirts and front and rear bumpers. The alloy wheel design was also all-new and the tyres were definitely lower in profile than the standard 195/55 R16 found on the India-spec Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS. However, the Baleno Sport at the motor show was based on the pre-facelift model.

Sources indicate that the Suzuki Baleno Sport for the Indonesian market will be based on the facelifts for the Baleno and Baleno RS that Maruti Suzuki launched in India at the beginning of 2019. This means that it will sport a different front bumper design with tweaked fog lamp clusters, new LED headlamps and a new grille. The interiors may also be updated with different upholstery and the new SmartPlay 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Like the Suzuki Ertiga Sport, the Baleno Sport isn’t expected with any mechanical changes – the Indonesia-spec Baleno is powered by a 92hp, 1.4-litre petrol motor that comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.

Would you like to see Maruti Suzuki bring the Baleno Sport to India or is the Baleno RS enough for now? Let us know in the comments below.

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