The Indian car market might not be big on performance hatchbacks. However, the demand for sportier, more powerful cars has been steadily growing. The VW Polo GT and the addition of the Fiat Punto Abarth and Ford Figo 1.5 are proof enough that there exists sufficient demand for such products. Very soon, Maruti will jump into the fray with the launch of the Baleno RS. Armed with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the hot version of the popular hatchback will be targeting the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. Read our Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT comparison to find how they stack up against each other.
Also See – Upcoming Maruti Cars in India | Maruti Baleno | Volkswagen Polo GTI
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT Price Comparison
| Maruti Baleno RS (estimated) | Volkswagen Polo GT | ||
| TSI (Petrol) | TDI (Diesel) | ||
| Ex-Showroom, Delhi Price | Rs. 8.00 – 9.00 lakhs | Rs. 9.05 lakhs | Rs. 9.16 lakhs |
We’re almost certain that the Baleno RS will be cheaper than the Polo GT. It should cost around Rs. 8 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). In contrast, the Polo GT TSI is priced at INR 9.05 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
While the Baleno RS is likely to have an upper hand in the pricing department, how much of that matters to the enthusiast remains to be seen. Bear in mind, however, the estimated Baleno RS pricing is for the manual variant. The Polo GT TSI comes with a 7-speed DSG automatic.
Also See – Maruti Baleno RS vs Baleno
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT Specifications
| Baleno RS | Polo GT TSI | |
| Engine Type/ Displacement | 1.0 L Turbocharged Petrol | 1.2 L Turbocharged Petrol |
| Power | 100 bhp | 104 bhp |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h (est) | 190 km/h |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 9.5 seconds (est) | 9.7 seconds |
| Transmission (Gearbox) | 5-speed manual | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Mileage | 22 kpl (estimated) | 17.21 kpl (claimed) |
Powering the Balneo RS is an all-new 1.0-litre petrol that, thanks to turbocharging, puts out a max power of 100 bhp and a peak torque of 150 Nm. Internationally, this engine comes with a choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic and makes around 112 BHP and 170 Nm. We will only get the 5-speed manual, at least initially. The Volkswagen Polo GT TSI gets a 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor that is good for 105 PS and 175 Nm. This one gets a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. No manual transmission option or paddle shifters on offer, which might put off some purists.
Also See – Maruti Baleno vs Volkswagen Polo
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT Dimensions
In terms of exterior dimensions, both cars are identical to their respective standard versions.
| Maruti Baleno RS | Volkswagen Polo GT | |
| Length x Width x Height | 3995 x 1745 x 1470 mm | 3970 x 1682 x 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2520 mm | 2456 mm |
| Kerb Weight | -NA- | 1109 kg |
| Wheel Type and Size | 16-inch alloys | 15-inch alloys |
| Boot Space | 339 L | 295 L |
The Maruti Baleno has more cabin space. The rear seat of the Polo GT is a bit cramped and its boot isn’t as generous as the Baleno’s. However, if its practicality you’re looking for, chances are you won’t be looking to buy these cars.
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT Mileage Comparison
| Maruti Baleno RS (estimated) | Volkswagen Polo GT TSI | |
| ARAI Certified Overall Mileage | 22 km/l | 17.21 km/l |
Claimed mileage of Baleno RS could easily go up to around 22 kpl. VW’s Polo GT TSI boasts an ARAI certified mileage of 17.21 km/l. However, These are figures obtained under test conditions. Real world figures will vary.
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen GT Features Comparison
Much like the Polo GT that is based on the top-end Highline trim of the Polo, the Baleno RS will also be available in the top-end Alpha trim. This means both cars come fairly loaded with features. Maruti Baleno RS gets certain extra features such as projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps and more. However, it misses out on certain features such as a cooled glovebox, cornering lamps, cruise control, all of which are part of the Polo GT’s equipment list.
| Maruti Baleno RS | Volkswagen Polo GT | |
| Air Conditioner Type | Automatic Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Windows | Yes (4) | Yes (4) |
| Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Audio Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System | Yes (Touchscreen) | Yes (Touchscreen) |
| Airbags | Yes (2) | Yes (2) |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT Design Comparison – Exterior
There are subtle differences between the exteriors of the standard Polo and the GT variants. These include GT badging on the grille, black ORVMs and black rear spoiler. Also, there is ‘GT’ badging on the C-pillars and boot lid. Apart from that, the Polo GT is the same smart looking European hatchback that has been around for a while now. In order to set it apart from the standard car, the Baleno RS is likely to feature additions such as side skirts, bumper extensions and roof spoiler. Maruti could also throw in black alloy wheels to give it a sportier appeal. Picking between the two is really up to the buyer and based on his/her preferences.
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT – Interior
The Polo GT’s interiors get an all-black treatment, unlike the standard car’s black-beige. You get a neatly laid out dashboard with all the essentials and high-quality materials. The highlight here is the tasty flat-bottomed steering wheel. In terms of space, the Polo GT isn’t as generous as the Baleno RS, though. We’re not expecting any major changes to the interiors of the Baleno RS. Expect the car to carry the same all-black good quality interiors. As is the case with the exteriors, the cabin of the Polo GT is simple and elegant while that of the Baleno is relatively more radical.
Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT Comparison – Verdict
The Volkswagen Polo GT is already quite popular amongst those looking for that little bit of extra performance from their standard hatchback. We will have to wait and see if these buyers move away from the trusted Polo GT towards the newbie that is the Maruti Baleno RS. A lot of it will come down to the price, but we will have to wait for the official launch to know how much the Baleno RS will cost.
- Price – According to our estimates, the Baleno RS will be cheaper than the Polo. However, the estimated price of INR 8 lakhs is for the manual variants. Polo GT gets an automatic transmission as standard.
- Specifications – The Baleno RS’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine is slightly less powerful than the Polo GT TSI’s 1.2 L petrol. It also produces lesser torque. Also, the Baleno is expected to come with a 5-speed manual. Polo GT TSI gets a 7-speed DSG.
- Features – Maruti will pack the Baleno RS with features. The Volkswagen Polo GT is fairly well equipped.
- Design – Looks are a matter of personal taste so we will leave this one up to you. At the end of the day, it comes down to the simple and elegant lines of the Polo versus the relatively radical styling of the Maruti Baleno.
What do you think of our Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT comparison? Do let us know via the comments section below. And stay tuned to Car Blog India for more updates on the Maruti Baleno RS vs Volkswagen Polo GT comparison.
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