Suzuki Confirms to Build Strong Hybrid Engines; Read Details

Some recent developments have taken place within the Suzuki company. That said, its Indian division - Maruti Suzuki - confirms the utilisation of the in-house-developed hybrid-based engines in its future vehicles. 

A Glimpse

Seeing a surge in demand for hybrid vehicles, Maruti Suzuki will now seriously step up its strong hybrid game, as the giant automaker is developing a strong hybrid engine, which will be fitted in its future low- and mid-level vehicles. 

However, the company will continue to use Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid technology, which will be exclusive to Maruti’s high-end models. 

A senior executive from Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) stated, “As for HEVs, we have already been supplied with THS (Toyota Hybrid System) models from Toyota, but we will use our own strong HEVs or mild HEVs while balancing appropriate models.”

Furthermore, the company will have three types of hybrid setups in its portfolio from 2025 onwards. Maruti’s HEV engines will be different from Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid system. It will rather offer a series-hybrid setup, making its hybrid vehicles more affordable.

This technology, also known as “range extender” will have the petrol engine work only as a generator, which will keep recharging the HEV’s battery pack. 

Interestingly, Nissan has been incorporating the same technology in some of its vehicles, including the Note hatchback. In fact, the Nissan Note hatchback was also extensively tested in India. 

However, after introducing the strong-hybrid technology on the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, the company has received positive feedback from its customers. The same hybrid-based engine is offered on its flagship MUV - the Invicto. This vehicle is a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova HyCross. 

Once Maruti Suzuki brings its in-house-engineered HEV powertrain, it will have pure petrol, petrol mild hybrid, petrol strong hybrid (Series), Toyota-supplied petrol strong hybrid, petrol-CNG, and pure EVs on offer. These powertrains will be offered on all its cars, including SUVs and MUVs.  

Application

The facelifted Maruti Suzuki Fronx, which will mark its debut next year (2025), will be the first iteration to be powered by Maruti Suzuki’s in-house-developed strong-hybrid engine. 

This technology will work with the new Z12E petrol engine (debuted on the 2024 Swift hatchback), which will power the Fronx. Reportedly, the next generation Baleno hatchback will also be equipped with the new technology. 

SOURCE