KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti developing a new series hybrid engine
- Fronx hybrid to debut by 2025
- Other models including Baleno and Swift will also get this tech
In a surprising update, the Maruti Fronx hybrid is soon going to launch in India. Codenamed YTB, the hybrid Fronx will get a new HEV series hybrid engine. This is a new cost-efficient technology that is being developed by Maruti in-house. Read all of the details about this technology and the cars it'll benefit from below. Also, you can join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group for the latest automotive updates.
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Maruti Fronx Hybrid Will Deliver 40 kmpl Of Fuel Economy
Till now, we've seen strong hybrid or parallel hybrid engines from Maruti and Toyota. In fact, the Grand Vitara and Invicto both use this technology. However, the new series of hybrid technologies is going to be simpler and more cost-efficient than the parallel hybrid. It is being developed by Maruti in-house, and the Fronx will become the first car to get it. Codenamed YTB, the Fronx hybrid is planned to debut in 2025.
Maruti calls this new series hybrid engine with an HEV codename. As per the exclusive online report (source: Autocar India), the work includes the engine acting as a generator for the battery pack. The battery pack thus powers the front wheels. Therefore, the complexity of engine power being delivered to the wheels is reduced to a minimum.
It'll not only make the car efficient but also help keep costs to a minimum. A new Z12E engine is already in the final stages of development that will power the upcoming Fronx and other models. It is expected to deliver upwards of 40 kmpl of fuel economy.
More Series Hybrid Cars Planned By Maruti
While the upcoming YTB (Fronx) will debut this HEV technology, there will be more products to receive it in the future. Maruti Swift facelift, which is scheduled to launch in the coming months, will also get the HEV by 2027. Moreover, the next-gen Baleno hatchback will get it by 2026. Suzuki also plans to introduce a Spacia-based MPV around 2026 that will get the same efficient series hybrid engine. Popular selling products like Brezza and Ertiga are also planned to get the HEV powertrain by 2029.
Why Not Parallel Hybrid Engine?
The answer is no. Maruti and Toyota's partnership that introduced the parallel hybrid to the mass car market has revolutionized profits for both of the makers. However, the construction cost and technical complexity associated with it are higher. For the mass car market, Maruti wants to keep its stronghold through easy engineering that is easy to fix and reliable as well. Also, there is no subsidy for parallel hybrid cars from the government, which doesn't allow for such experimentation.
Verdict
The introduction of series hybrid engines will change the competition forever. The super-efficient HEV platform will provide Maruti with a boost that can revolutionize the mass car market. However, we'll have to wait till 2025 to see what this new technology is about and how does these cars will perform.
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