With the rampant increase in pollution, it has become one of the biggest priorities for automakers to create vehicles that use alternative fuels to run, and electric vehicles are at the forefront of this race. However, with advancements in technology, some automakers are betting on other alternative-fueled cars, such as hybrids. So, if you are someone who is looking to buy a hybrid in India, here are the four most affordable options you can get.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
The first vehicle on this list is the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid, with a starting price of Rs 10.70 Lakh and going up to Rs 19.95 Lakh. The Grand Vitara offers two powertrain options: a mild hybrid and a strong hybrid. The all-wheel-drive option is reserved for the mild hybrid-manual transmission variants, while the rest of the variants get a front-wheel layout. There are two transmission options available: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic for this powertrain.
The mild hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder K15C petrol engine (102 Bhp-137 Nm) and a SHVS (Suzuki Hybrid Vehicle System). Meanwhile, the strong hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine (91 Bhp-122 Nm) and an electric motor that makes 78 Bhp-141 Nm. The combined output stands at 114 Bhp. The strong hybrid powertrain also offers an all-electric mode, which means the Grand Vitara can be driven on battery power for about 25 kilometers. All variants of the strong hybrid Grand Vitara are front-wheel driven and get a CVT automatic gearbox as standard. The strong hybrid’s biggest selling point is its diesel-beating 28 Kmpl fuel efficiency.
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Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Next up on the list is the Grand Vitara’s mechanically identical twin, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. This mid-size SUV is priced at Rs 10.73 Lakh and goes up to Rs 19.74 Lakh. The powertrain options on this SUV are identical to the Grand Vitara, as it is also offered with two hybrid powertrains. The first is a strong-hybrid powertrain of the Hyryder, consisting of a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine (92 Bhp-122 Nm) running on the Atkinson cycle, and an electric motor that puts out 78 Bhp-141 Nm. This powertrain is paired with an eCVT automatic gearbox, and combined output stands at 114 Bhp.
The other option is a mild hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-liter K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine (102 Bhp-135 Nm) paired with an electric motor that offers assistance during acceleration. The K15C petrol engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard and offers an all-wheel-drive system.
Toyota Innova Hycross
The Toyota Innova Hycross is the next hybrid car on this list. This premium MPV starts at Rs 18.55 lakh and goes up to Rs 29.72 lakh. The Innova Hycross is offered in only petrol variants and has two drivetrain options. The first is a strong hybrid version that is available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. This setup generates a combined power output of 183 Ps. The strong hybrid version has a claimed fuel economy of 23.24 kmpl, which is the highest in its segment.
The other option is a standard petrol version, which also uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine that generates 171 Ps, and it has a claimed economy of 16.13 kmpl. Toyota is offering a warranty of 3 years/100,000 kilometers and an option for an extended warranty of up to 5 years/220,000 kilometers, 3 years of free roadside assistance, attractive financial schemes, and an 8-year/160,000-kilometer warranty on the hybrid battery.
Honda City e:HEV
The last model on this list is the Honda City e:HEV. This mid-size sedan is the only mid-size sedan in the country offered with a hybrid powertrain. Prices for the Honda City Hybrid 2023 range between Rs 18.89 lakh to Rs 20.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), and it is available in two trims – V and ZX.
It is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces a maximum power of 98 PS and a peak torque of 127 Nm. It also has a strong hybrid system with two electric motors. One of them drives the front wheels of the car and produces a maximum power of 109 PS. The torque output of the electric motor and petrol engine combined is 253 Nm. The other electric motor mainly works as a power generator. The vehicle produces a maximum combined power of 126 PS. The Honda City does not have a conventional transmission. The Honda City returns a maximum fuel efficiency of 26.5 km/l while it can reach a top speed of 176 km/h.
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