Comparison - Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS vs. Volkswagen Polo GT TSI

Which of the two exciting hatchbacks should you buy?

We try to find out which of the two cars - the Polo GT TSI or the Baleno RS - should you buy. Both the cars have their positives and negatives, but there has to be one winner.

Technical Specifications

Maruti Suzuki has detuned the 1.0-litre BoosterJet engine for the Baleno RS which now makes 102PS of maximum power instead of the 111PS output on the international-spec Baleno. However, the Baleno RS isn't too far behind the Polo's 105PS engine. The 1.2-litre engine of the Polo GT TSI produces more torque in comparison to the RS and reaches its maximum torque 200 revs earlier at 1500rpm.

The Baleno RS is a lighter car as compared to the Polo GT TSI, which results in better power to weight ratio for the Maruti. It is also more fuel efficient than the Polo GT TSI. The Volkswagen, however, gets a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which could work, both, for and against the Polo. It adds to the convenience but is also costlier to maintain. It will be interesting to see which car is faster on a drag strip, but both look equally good on paper.

Features

Since both the Baleno RS and the Polo GT TSI are meant to be used as everyday cars as well, it’s important to understand which of these two strikes the best balance between outright performance and creature comforts.

The Polo GT TSI acquires Hill hold control in a package with the DSG transmission. The ESP is certainly a boon if you are someone with a heavy right foot. The Baleno RS, on the other hand, misses out on ESP which makes it prone to tail wagging, especially on fast corners.

The Polo GT TSI also gets aluminium pedals, which adds to the feel-good factor, while the cooled glovebox can keep your drinks chilled on long trips. So, considering the features that the Polo GT TSI gets and Baleno RS doesn’t, the VW is a better car if you are mostly taking it out for highway runs, or driving your car spiritedly. But, here’s what the Baleno RS gets and the Polo GT TSI doesn’t.

The Baleno RS apparently gets features that make it more practical on paper than the Polo GT TSI. So, while the Polo GT TSI looks better suited to be driven spiritedly in comparison to the Baleno RS, it doesn’t get as many creature comforts as the latter. The Baleno RS is the more practical car in comparison, and features like rear parking sensors with camera, a better infotainment system and 60:40 split rear seats justify the claim.

Verdict

Both, the Polo GT TSI and the Baleno RS are quicker than their standard versions, but that doesn't make them any less everyday cars.

As a package, the Polo GT TSI is slightly complicated to understand. It has brilliant high-speed manners, and in case you falter, there's ESP for help. But it doesn't get a manual gearbox, which would have made the package more engaging with better control over the engine and the obvious adrenaline rush that accompanies every downshift. The convenience of DSG convinces you to drive this car every day, but it's not the most reliable of the transmissions for Indian driving conditions.

The Baleno RS is a bit overpriced, especially when you compare with the DSG-equipped Polo GT TSI, which is around Rs 40,000-50,000 dearer than the Maruti.

However, the Baleno RS has a clear goal - it is an engaging practical car that you can drive to office everyday. It gets a retuned suspension that aids handling, but it doesn't make the ride too hard. The engine is also more fuel efficient in comparison to the Polo, and not to forget the ease of ownership that comes standard with a Maruti. So, it will be fair to call the Baleno RS a better-looking Baleno with more power.

So, those who want an exciting everyday car, the Baleno RS will be a better buy. For those who use their car sparingly, want more fun-on-the-run and the feel-good factor to go with it, the Polo GT TSI will do the task.

Spec comparo: Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS vs rivals

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