While the Indian automobile industry is shifting towards electrified solutions, OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Mahindra are also going hybrid way. India’s largest passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is betting big on hybrid technology, as the brand is developing its own strong hybrid powertrain for mass-market offerings including the Swift, Baleno, Fronx and a small MPV based on the Japan-spec Suzuki Spacia.
Maruti Suzuki’s new strong hybrid technology will debut with the Fronx compact crossover by mid-2025. It will also be introduced in cars like Swift and Baleno hatchback, Breeze subcompact SUV and all-new small MPV based on the Japan-spec Suzuki Spacia. However, the launch timeline of each model has not been revealed yet.
Also See: Maruti Fronx Hybrid, Fronx Electric Launch Timeline & Details
The Maruti strong hybrid powertrain will be offered with the Z12E petrol engine, which debuted in the new-gen Swift. Speculations suggest that the Maruti Fronx hybrid will be high on mileage, delivering over 35kmpl.
Here are all key details we know so far about the upcoming Maruti strong hybrid powertrain.
– The Indo-Japanese automaker is developing a series hybrid powertrainwhich generates electricity for the battery and electric motor. In this system, the ICE unit never directly supplies powers to the wheels. The battery delivers power to the motor and the electric motor solely drives the wheels. The ICE engine works as a generator to charge the battery whenever required.
– While the parallel-series hybrid powertrain is more efficient at highway speedsthe series hybrid system works smoothly at low speed, making it ideal for city driving.
– Compared to the parallel-series tech, the series hybrid setup has a simpler mechanical design and delivers better fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
– Maruti Suzuki’s new strong hybrid powertrain will be significantly more cost effective than Toyota’s Atkinson strong hybrid technology, which powers the Maruti Grand Vitara and Invicto MPV.
