7 Maruti Suzuki Cars That Will Become Hybrids Soon: Fronx To Swift
Hybrids continue to gain acceptance in India. Several manufacturers are now readying hybrid models for India. Maruti Suzuki is one of them. It is known to be working on at least six new hybrid models. In international markets, the company already sells strong hybrid versions of models like the Fronx. It is also known to be developing a cost-effective series hybrid technology for use in multiple models in the near future. Here is a closer look at those plans.
The Fronx will reportedly be the first Maruti Suzuki model to get the new series hybrid powertrain. It is expected to launch in the coming months- most likely by early 2027. The pricing will be in the range of Rs 10-15 lakh, ex-showroom. The new model will have subtle design changes and will also see the addition of more features. Powering it will be a series hybrid powertrain that uses a 1.2L naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine as its base. This powertrain is expected to deliver an impressive fuel efficiency of over 35 kpl.
The Swift is also a hot-selling hatchback. The outgoing model is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine. It can be had with a five-speed manual and a five-speed AMT automatic transmission. In the future, the Swift is expected to get the 1.2L petrol engine-based series hybrid setup. The series hybrid-based Swift is expected to launch by 2027.
The current generation Dzire will also get the series hybrid setup sometime next year. It will get the same 1.2-litre Z12E-based hybrid setup. The Dzire is, in fact, the sedan version of the Swift. For now, it is powered by the 1.2L Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine.
The Fronx is a crossover based on the Baleno hatchback. This means that the Baleno could also get the series hybrid powertrain sometime in the future. It will likely get the same setup as the Fronx, Swift and Dzire. We expect the hybrid Baleno to make its debut next year.
Maruti Ertiga and XL6 are two popular MPVs. The Ertiga in particular, enjoys a strong foothold in the Indian market, due to its strong value proposition and ‘family-friendly’ dimensions. The outgoing model is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine. It is expected to get a strong hybrid setup based on a 1.5L petrol engine. The company already has a 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain on offer on models like the Grand Vitara and the Victoris. The same may eventually be introduced on the XL6 in the future.
We don’t know when this model will launch, but Maruti Suzuki is said to be working on a hybrid version of the Brezza. The outgoing model is powered by the 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine. It is expected to get either the 1.5L strong hybrid setup or the series hybrid setup based on Z12E. The Kia Sonet, a rival to the Brezza is also known to get a hybrid powertrain in the next couple of years.
Series hybrids are entirely different from conventional strong hybrid powertrains. In these, the wheels are driven by electric motors. A battery pack powers the motor and the petrol engine works merely as a generator to recharge the EV battery. It doesn’t drive the wheels at all. The engine operates at optimum rpm and the entire setup excels with its fuel efficiency. Series hybrid powertrains are also known as range extenders.
These powertrains deliver EV-like driving experience and instant torque without having to be anxious about the range. Maruti Suzuki’s series hybrid powertrain is expected to use the Z12E petrol engine as its base. This configuration will likely deliver a fuel efficiency of over 35kpl on most models. These will also have cost advantages as they are cheaper to manufacture and can be offered on more affordable models.