Upcoming Maruti And Toyota Hybrids: Fronx To Corolla Cross
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, as we know, are in a partnership, and as part of the tie-up, they have launched several products, including EVs. After ICE vehicles and EVs, they are now planning to launch a variety of hybrid cars in India. Here we have a list of upcoming hybrid cars that Toyota and Maruti will be launching in the market soon.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover is one of the most popular SUVs, and it could soon be getting an update. In fact, Maruti is actually testing an affordable and efficient hybrid technology for the Fronx. It is a series-hybrid setup where the engine will act as a generator and power the electric motor driving the front wheels.
The Fronx Hybrid would use Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Z12E petrol engine, and there are reports that the SUV will come with premium features like ADAS and a fuel efficiency figure of around 35 kmpl.
Toyota also has its version of the Fronx in the form of the Taisor, and soon after the Fronx, the Taisor will also get the same update. The SUV will use the same engine and transmission options as the Fronx. The Taisor Hybrid is also expected to return around 35 kmpl.
Toyota will reportedly discontinue the Crysta next year. The Crysta was popular in the fleet market because of its reliable engine and fuel efficiency. The naturally aspirated petrol engine of the Hycross is not particularly known for efficiency.
In order to fill the void left by the Crysta, Toyota will be launching a lower and more affordable variant of the strong-hybrid version. The MPV will use the same 2.0-litre strong-hybrid engine with an eCVT gearbox. This variant will not offer as many features as the higher trims.
Toyota is said to be working on a 7-seater version of the Hyryder for India. A test mule was recently spotted testing in the mountains. It would be offered with the same set of features as the regular Hyryder, but with three-row seating. It would also be offered with the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre strong-hybrid engine options.
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is also said to get the same treatment as the Hyryder. It is expected to come with a 7-seater option, along with minor cosmetic changes on the outside, and it would get the same 1.5-litre strong-hybrid engine with an eCVT gearbox option.
The current version of the Grand Vitara is expected to get a facelift soon. As part of the update, the SUV will be getting features like Level 2 ADAS, updated wheels, and a revised grille and bumper that are not present in the current version. The SUV will continue to get the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and strong-hybrid engine options with an eCVT gearbox.
Following Maruti Suzuki, Toyota will also offer a facelift for the Hyryder. Just like the Grand Vitara, the Hyryder will also get cosmetic changes along with ADAS features. The SUV currently comes with manual and automatic transmission options in the mild-hybrid variant and an eCVT gearbox in the strong-hybrid version.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is going to be a 7-seater SUV that could arrive in India by 2028–29. Internally, it is reportedly known as the 340D project and will be built on the TNGA-C platform, which currently underpins the Toyota Innova Hycross.
This SUV is expected to be priced at around Rs 30 lakh and positioned between the Hyryder and the Toyota Fortuner in Toyota’s lineup. It is likely to be offered with a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine.