Unlocking The Benefits Of Maruti Suzuki Intelligent Hybrid System

Maruti Suzuki, Indias leading automaker, has been at the forefront of technologically advanced vehicles and fuel-efficient engines. The brand has also ensured that customers continue to get a stress-free ownership experience in parallel. Maruti Suzuki has recently adopted Strong Hybrid Technology for its products, and the brand has already launched the Grand Vitara SUV and Invicto MPV with Strong Hybrid Petrol engines. These two vehicles have become quite popular since their launch, showing their advanced capabilities to cover as much as 1,200 km on a single tankful of petrol. This article will discuss the Strong Hybrid Technology and how it benefits the end consumer.

What Is Strong Hybrid Technology?

Strong hybrid engines or Marutis Intelligent Hybrid System come with the latest hybrid engine technology. This technology features two power sources for a vehicle - an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. This system works simultaneously where the power control unit of the vehicle monitors and understands the vehicles needs and automatically switches between the engine and the motor to give power to the car. Note that this switchover is jerk-free and the occupants hardly notice the change, ensuring a smooth drive experience. The vehicle gets optimised power and fuel efficiency by combining the engine's power and the electric motor. This system is also a worry-free approach for customers because the lithium-ion battery is self-charging, which takes the help of regenerative braking to charge itself. The battery can also be charged by the main engine if needed. This means there is no need for external charging in these vehicles. 

What is the need for Strong Hybrid Technology?

A fuel-efficient vehicle is essential in today's ever-increasing fuel prices. Consumers with high monthly usage have been relying on diesel engines to save on fuel bills. Strong Hybrid vehicles are now changing this prospect of society and are increasingly becoming a preferred choice for intra-city and inter-city runs. Marutis Intelligent Hybrid vehicles, such as Grand Vitara and Invicto, are proving to be apt choices in their respective segments. But why so? What are the benefits of strong hybrid vehicles? Lets delve into the below points to understand this.

Fuel-Efficiency

The first and foremost benefit of hybrid engines is fuel efficiency. The engine and electric motor work in tandem and hybrid vehicles offer an EV mode as well. Now, what is this EV mode? The car's power control unit (ECU) assesses driving conditions and activates the EV-only mode as necessary, provided the battery has an ample charge level. In this mode, the engine is not operating, and the vehicle relies solely on the electric motor, functioning just like an electric vehicle (EV). This helps lessen fuel consumption, especially in city traffic and at cruising speed. 

During our test runs with the vehicles, the Grand Vitara offered an easy 22-24 kmpl in urban conditions. The premium Invicto MPV offered 20+ kmpl in similar situations. These figures indicate the running cost per km is far lower than that of diesel options in the same segment.

Silent Drive With Enhanced Performance

The EV mode helps the engine to remain deactivated, and when the electric motor is operating, the vehicle becomes silent, unlike other ICE vehicles. This results in a quiet drive, like a proper electric car. Just so you know, the switchover between engine mode and EV mode is exceptionally smooth. Further, the dual power source in a single vehicle enhances the car's outright performance when needed. The Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid and Invicto Strong Hybrid are as quick as (or even quicker) than turbocharged petrol options in the same segment. 

No Range Anxiety Like An EV

Many buyers want to save fuel but dont want to shift to a pure EV because of the range anxiety factor. On the other hand, Strong Hybrid vehicles eliminate this range anxiety factor. You refill your vehicle just like a regular car and you are ready to roll. The battery for the electric motor is charged up via both regenerative braking as well by the main petrol motor. 

Environment Friendly & Convenient to Drive

The EV mode in hybrid vehicles not only helps in fuel efficiency but also helps in carbon emission reduction, which makes them less polluting vehicles. Along with this, Marutis Strong Hybrid vehicles come mated to an e-CVT gearbox. This advanced gearbox understands the driving conditions and keeps the vehicle in the best gear to give ample performance. It also ensures that the vehicle operates efficiently by smoothly switching between EV & engine modes.

Multiple Drive Modes On Offer

Maruti Suzuki Hybrid vehicles have three driving modes: Normal Mode, Eco Mode, and Power Mode. 

Normal Mode: The normal mode offers a balance between performance and efficiency. This mode is the best mode to drive in and around the city. 

Eco Mode: The Eco mode prioritises fuel efficiency over performance, which leads to higher savings. 

Power Mode: As the name suggests, the power mode prioritises performance over fuel consumption. 

Maruti Suzuki Strong Hybrid Vehicles 

Strong Hybrid technology is available in two Maruti Suzuki vehicles: the Grand Vitara SUV and the Invicto MPV.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a mid-size SUV that packs a spacious cabin and many features. It features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, a 360-camera, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof, among other features. The SUV comes with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder, strong hybrid petrol engine. This engine produces 91bhp of power and 122Nm of torque. This hybrid setup delivers a total power output of 114bhp and is paired with an e-CVT gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is a seven-seater MPV that comes with a good number of features such as a panoramic sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen infotainment, ventilated front seats, and 360-camera, keyless start/stop button, electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, and six standard airbags. The Invicto offers second-row captain seats, offering immense comfort for your long journeys. A 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol engine powers this MPV. This powertrain mated to an e-CVT gearbox, produces a power output of 184bhp. With the help of this setup, the Invicto offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of power and fuel efficiency.