Maruti Suzuki is moving towards greener mobility solutions with its upcoming range of new hybrid and electric vehicles, arriving by 2026. The carmaker is set to introduce its first electric offering – the e Vitara – by the end of this financial year. In the hybrid segment, the Indo-Japanese automaker will introduce four new models – the Victoris with Toyota’s strong hybrid powertrain, and the Fronx, next-gen Baleno and a sub-4 metre MPV with Maruti Suzuki in-house developed strong hybrid system.
Victoris – India’s Most Fuel-Efficient Car
Starting with the Maruti Victoris, the midsize SUV will launch with three engine options – a 103bhp, 1.5L mild hybrid petrol, a 116bhp, 1.5L strong hybrid and a 89bhp, 1.5L petrol + CNG. Despite sharing its powertrains with the Grand Vitara, it will be more fuel efficient than its sibling. Maruti Suzuki claims that the Victoris strong hybrid version will offer a mileage of 28.65kmpl, making its most fuel-efficient car in India.
Maruti’s New Strong Hybrid System
Maruti Suzuki is developing an in-house series hybrid powertrain (codenamed – HEV), which will make its debut on the Fronx compact crossover in 2026. Unlike Toyota’s Atkinson hybrid system, Maruti’s own hybrid technology will be significantly more cost-effective, while delivering an estimated mileage of over 35kmpl. It will be a series hybrid system featuring a petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery. The carmaker will electrify its 1.2L Z-Series petrol engine for its future mass-market hybrid cars.
Baleno Hybrid, Mini MPV & More
The same hybrid powertrain will be introduced to the new-generation Mauti Baleno hatchback and the Japan-spec Spacia based MPV, followed later by the next-gen Swift (2027) and all-new Brezza (2029). The Maruti Fronx hybrid is likely to feature a ‘Hybrid’ badge on the exterior and a few hybrid-specific software inside, while retaining its original design and interior.
Along with the new hybrid powertrain, the all-new Maruti Baleno hatchback is expected to come with significantly improved styling and a feature-packed interior. The Suzuki Spacia based mini MPV will be positioned against the Renault Triber and the upcoming Nissan’s new subcompact MPV.
