Maruti Suzuki has announced plans to introduce its proprietary strong hybrid powertrain in its future vehicle models, particularly targeting its low and mid-range segments. While the company will continue to utilize Toyota’s hybrid technology in higher-end models like the Grand Vitara and Invicto, it aims to offer its own hybrid systems in more affordable vehicles.
An upcoming three-row SUV, based on the Grand Vitara, will also feature Toyota’s strong hybrid system. However, Maruti’s forthcoming hybrid setup, expected to debut soon, will differ from Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid technology. This was confirmed by the company’s senior management, who indicated that Maruti will balance its offerings with both strong and mild hybrid systems tailored to specific models.
Maruti’s new hybrid system will likely be more cost-effective than Toyota’s, utilizing a series hybrid configuration. In this setup, the petrol engine functions primarily as a generator, producing electricity to power an electric motor that drives the wheels, rather than directly propelling the vehicle. This technology, known as a range extender, is similar to what Nissan has used in some of its models, such as the Nissan Note, which has been extensively tested in India.
The first model to feature Maruti’s new series hybrid powertrain is expected to be the facelifted Fronx, with the system based on the Z12E three-cylinder petrol engine from the upcoming Swift. Future models, including the next-generation Baleno, will also incorporate this strong hybrid setup.
With the introduction of its own hybrid technology, Maruti Suzuki will offer a diverse range of powertrain options across its lineup, including pure petrol, petrol mild hybrid, petrol strong hybrid (series), Toyota-supplied petrol strong hybrid, petrol-CNG, and pure electric vehicles.
