KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maruti Suzuki's strong-hybrid technology is expected to debut with the Fronx.
- The car spotted wears an unusual 'Hybrid' badge on the right side of the tailgate.
- The strong-hybrid tech is expected to be featured on the new Z12E engine from the Swift.
The pictures you see here may have you thinking this is just a regular Maruti Suzuki Fronx. However, a closer look will reveal something interesting. The Indian car maker has been developing its strong-hybrid powertrain for quite some time, and it is likely to debut sometime in 2026.
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Maruti Suzuki Fronx Strong Hybrid: Details
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx strong-hybrid has been spotted testing in the Delhi-NCR region, and interestingly, there is no camouflage on the car, which is very unlike a test mule. The Fronx strong-hybrid looks identical to the regular Fronx, which still look fresh and relevant. Only a closer look at the tailgate will reveal the juicy bits.
Unlike the regular Fronx, which gets a 'smart hybrid' badge on the tailgate, this test car receives a unique 'hybrid' badge on the same right side, below the Fronx badging. Maruti Suzuki has been working on its strong-hybrid technology for a while now, and according to reports, this tech is expected to make its debut with the Fronx. The strong-hybrid tech is said to be paired with the Z12E, 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine from the Swift.
It is important to note that this hybrid tech will be very different from what Maruti Suzuki currently shares with Toyota and uses in the Grand Vitara. This will be a series-hybrid platform, in which the combustion powertrain will be responsible of charging the electric battery. The battery will then send power to the wheels and drive the car forward.
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According to reports, Maruti Suzuki's new strong hybrid platform is expected to make its debut in 2026, and more cars, such as the Swift, could also be added to the series-hybrid platform later on.
Verdict
Maruti Suzuki could well become the first mass-market manufacturer to democratize series-hybrid technology in the Indian market. Series-hybrid tech is something that has more recently also been seen in motorsports applications, like the Dakar-spec Audi e-tron.
