Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that the company will introduce a new strong hybrid technology developed by its in-house team. The Fronx facelift will be the first model to feature the brand’s new hybrid system with the Z12E 1.2L, three-cylinder petrol engine. It’s the same powertrain that is used in the Swift hatchback. Maruti Suzuki’s new strong hybrid technology will be offered on its smaller and mid-level cars, including the Baleno, Swift, and Brezza. However, the premium SUVs will continue to come with a Toyota-sourced series-parallel hybrid powertrain.
Codenamed HEV, Maruti’s new strong hybrid system will be a series hybrid setup and significantly more cost-effective than Toyota’s Atkinson cycle engine. The series hybrid vehicle receives mechanical power from the electric motor, powered by either a petrol generator or a battery. The installed software determines the proportion of power from the battery or the generator. One can choose to exclusively use the battery to power the motor, thus enhancing the engine’s fuel efficiency.
If reports are to be believed, Maruti Suzuki’s new strong hybrid tech for smaller cars will be offered on the new-generation Baleno and a new mini MPV (based on the Japan-spec Spacia) in 2026, the new-gen Swift in 2027, and the new-gen Brezza in 2029. The Indo-Japanese automaker aims to achieve 25 percent of its total sales from hybrid vehicles (including Toyota’s strong hybrid, mild hybrid, and the new strong hybrid) by the end of the decade.
Talking about Maruti Suzuki’s next product launch, the company will roll out the new-generation Dzire compact sedan around the 2024 festive season. The new model will come with a significantly improved design, interior, and the new Z-Series petrol engine borrowed from the Swift hatchback. Its design changes will differ from the new Swift, such as a new front grille, headlamps, and bumper. The interior will share a strong resemblance with the Swift.
