Maruti's Cheapest Hybrid Car With 35 Kmpl Mileage: What To Expect
When Maruti Suzuki’s name is mentioned, we all think of affordable cars that offer high fuel efficiency. Now, to take things up a notch in terms of mileage, the company is currently working on the development of its first and most affordable strong hybrid vehicle. Reportedly, the upcoming Fronx Hybrid will offer a mileage of around 35 kmpl, and here's everything that you should know about this upcoming crossover SUV.
In the last few weeks, the sightings of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid test mules have increased significantly. These test mules have been seen testing on public roads without any camouflage, with a “Hybrid” badge on the tailgate, rear axle mechanical additions, roof-mounted sensors, and a LIDAR unit mounted on the rear bumper.
The main highlight of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid will be its new Series Hybrid system. In most strong hybrid powertrains, the internal combustion engine and electric motors both power the wheels. However, in the Series Hybrid system, the electric motor drives the wheels.
Meanwhile, the internal combustion engine acts solely as a generator. The Series Hybrid system is also known as a “Range Extender” system. It offers better fuel efficiency, a simpler mechanical layout, easier manufacturing, and lower cost compared to strong hybrids.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx’s series hybrid system will be based on the Z12E, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is seen on the current generation Swift and Dzire. This engine in both of these cars makes 81 bhp and 108 Nm of torque. It is believed that the Fronx Hybrid with the series hybrid system will offer a mileage of over 35 kmpl, which will be very impressive and make it the vehicle with the highest fuel efficiency in India.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid will also be getting ADAS Level 2. Its ADAS suite will include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera.
In addition to ADAS, Maruti Suzuki will also be offering the Fronx series hybrid with an AWD system. It will not be a hard-core 4X4 setup, as it will not get a transfer case, low-range gearbox, and high-range gears. Instead, it will get a simple AWD system similar to the one seen in the Grand Vitara. This system will help in improving grip on off-road terrains, improving traction on slippery surfaces, and enhancing stability.
At the moment, Maruti Suzuki has not officially made any announcement on the launch timeline of the Fronx Hybrid. However, it is believed that it could make its debut by either the end of 2026 or early 2027. Once launched, it will be in a segment of its own. However, its closest rivals will be the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon, and Kia Sonet, along with its own sibling, the Brezza.
Most likely, after the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid, Toyota will also launch a badge-engineered version of the Fronx Hybrid. Currently, it offers the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor in India, which is based on the Fronx. It could be possible that this Series Hybrid powertrain is being co-developed with Toyota