Maruti says hybrids first, electric vehicles next: Hybrid car launch in 2022

After having a hushed 2021, India’s biggest automaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited is looking to take over 2022. The company is planning to reveal and launch a number of new vehicles and facelifts of a few models next year. Amongst which is a new hybrid compact SUV which shall make its debut by mid-2022. This hybrid SUV shall be slotted above the current mid-size compact SUV Vitara Brezza.

Unlike the company’s current mild-hybrid technology using vehicles, this new SUV will feature a stronger hybrid system. Codenamed as the YTB, the SUV will be based on Maruti’s inured Heartect architecture which is shared with the brand’s various other models.

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The brand has also mentioned that they are working on a green mobility road map that will include electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, CNG, and strong hybrid vehicles. Along with Maruti, Toyota has also recently showcased strong hybrid vehicles in an event related to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Also, Maruti will be showcasing its battery manufacturing capabilities at the Vibrant Gujrat Summit, along with Toyotas showcase of its hybrid vehicles like the Mirae and Camry.

As of now, Maruti has announced that the launch of an EV will not come to fruition until 2025. Maruti Suzuki also mentioned that they are urging the state and central governments to reduce GST on Hybrids and bring it in line with EV’s.

The carmaker has no plans to bring back the diesel powertrains. However, they are shifting their focus towards petrol and CNG powertrains.

The upcoming SUV could draw inspiration from the Futuro-e concept which was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. Additionally, the YTB SUV could also feature a sporty coupe-like silhouette, which seems to be a design style that will become more eminent in the coming years.

The powerplant for the YTB could be the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with better utilisation of hybrid technology for higher fuel economy. We can also expect to see features like a floating touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, sunroof, push-button engine start/stop, and adjustable headrests.

As this new vehicle will sit above the Vitara Brezza, it is expected that it will use a lot more premium materials. Touted to be that premium SUV, the YTB will be retailed through MSIL’s Nexa network. Apart from this SUV, as mentioned earlier, Maruti will be launching a host of new cars like the facelifted Baleno, updated XL6, next-generation Alto, and the second-gen Vitara Brezza.

In the month of November, Maruti’s sales witnessed a slump compared to the same month of the previous year. Maruti reported a total sales of 139,184 units in November 2021, which is less than the 153,223 units of the previous year’s November. This slump was caused due to the semiconductor shortages raised by the pandemic. The company stated, “The shortage of electronic components had a minor impact on the production of vehicles during the month,”.

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