5 New Hybrid Cars From Maruti Suzuki Unmasked

Hybrid cars are becoming a thing in India. The sales of these are currently on the rise. Hybrids stand out for being more practical, environment-friendly and frugal. Multiple manufacturers have announced their imminent foray into the hybrid space. Maruti Suzuki recently revealed that they are betting big on hybrids. Here are five new hybrid cars expected from the Maruti Suzuki in the upcoming years:

7- Seat Grand Vitara

Maruti currently has the Grand Vitara on sale in India. Co-developed with Toyota, the SUV remains quite popular. Launched in 2022, it is available with three powertrains- a 1.5-litre K15C petrol mild-hybrid, a Strong hybrid 1.5L 3-cylinder engine running Atkinson cycle, and a CNG engine. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are available.

Maruti is reportedly working on a 7-seat version of the Grand Vitara, that is set to launch in the first half of next year. The vehicle will have notable visual changes from the five-seater. New features will be added to the upcoming vehicle. Like the outgoing model, the seven-seater will likely retain the two hybrid powertrains- mild and strong. The Strong hybrid tech has been co-developed with Toyota, and is quite efficient.

Upon launch, the 7-seater Grand Vitara will compete with the Alcazar, C3 Aircross, Mahindra XUV 700 and Tata Safari.

Fronx Series Hybrid

Maruti Suzuki recently announced its intention to bring series hybrids to India.  There are a slew of such launches planned, the first of which would be the Fronx. The carmaker will use a new Z12E engine in the series hybrid version of the Fronx. This is in fact, a derivative of the 1.2 liter triple cylinder z series motor found on the new Swift.

DZire Hybrid

Maruti is preparing to launch the new-generation DZire sedan in India. The new car is expected to come with major design deviations from its predecessor, a revised cabin, more features and a reworked set of powertrains. The new DZire will likely get the series hybrid tech, further ahead in time.

Swift Hybrid

The recently launched Maruti Suzuki Swift is available with a 1.2L, 3-cylinder, Z series NA petrol engine that produces 80bhp and 112Nm. There is also a CNG version that produces 69bhp and 102Nm. Maruti Suzuki will reportedly bring a series hybrid version of the Swift to the Indian shores.

Baleno Hybrid

Maruti Suzuki could soon take the hybrid technology to the Baleno. The Z12E mill will be used on the upcoming car.

Series Hybrids Explained:

Series hybrid is a relatively new technology and has several advantages over something like a parallel hybrid powertrain. Maruti Suzuki is set to democratize the technology by making it available across their portfolio. Usually in a hybrid powertrain, the engine powers the wheels and the hybrid part supports it in doing so.

In a series hybrid, the wheels are connected to an electric motor. The function of IC engine here is to generate power for the electric motor. In other words, it functions as a generator to produce electricity. Series hybrids have the following advantages:

• The first is its simplicity. By removing the need for a direct mechanical link between the engine and the wheels, the system streamlines the powertrain, reduces its complexity and enhancing efficiency.
• Second, the cost-effectiveness.
• Finally, the improved fuel efficiency. The series hybrid setup lets the IC engine run at its its optimal efficiency to generate electricity at all times. Maruti claims their future hybrid vehicles to offer up to 35kpl in fuel efficiency.