Upcoming Maruti Strong Hybrid Cars in India

In 2024, sales of hybrid vehicles surged by 27 percent as the growth of EVs (electric vehicles) slowed down. Considering the market trend, OEMs are gearing up to launch a new range of hybrid vehicles within the price range of Rs 15 lakh – Rs 25 lakh. Maruti Suzuki will lead the way by introducing its own strong hybrid powertrain (codenamed HEV) with the Fronx facelift in 2025. The compact crossover will feature the HEV system with the Swift’s 1.2L Z12E petrol engine.

Hybrid Powertrain for Smaller Cars

Maruti Suzuki’s all-new HEV strong hybrid setup will also be introduced in the brand’s smaller cars, including the Baleno, Swift, and Brezza, with their next-generation updates in 2026, 2027, and 2029, respectively. There will also be a new compact MPV based on the Suzuki Spacia, which is sold in the Japanese market. Maruti Suzuki aims to increase its hybrid vehicle sales to 25 percent of total sales by the end of the decade.

Maruti Suzuki’s Strong Hybrid Tech

Unlike Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid powertrain, the Indo-Japanese automaker is developing a series hybrid tech. It will be significantly more cost-effective than Toyota’s strong hybrid setup. So, how does the series hybrid powertrain work? It uses an ICE (internal combustion engine) to generate electricity that powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. Here, the engine doesn’t directly supply power to the wheels.

This system is highly efficient as the engine runs at its optimal speed, and the vehicle is mostly driven by the electric motor. Furthermore, regenerative braking recharges the battery. The strong hybrid technology improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency while reducing carbon footprints. However, it is usually complex and increases the weight of the vehicle.

New Maruti 7-Seater SUV

The Indo-Japanese automaker will introduce a new three-row SUV based on the Grand Vitara. This new model will share the same platform as its donor sibling. In fact, its design, features, and powertrain will also be carried forward from the Grand Vitara. The new Maruti 7-seater SUV will come with the 103bhp, 1.5L K15C petrol mild hybrid and the 92bhp, 1.5L, 3-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor generating 79bhp. Toyota’s strong hybrid powertrain delivers a combined power output of 115bhp and uses an e-CVT automatic gearbox.