Maruti Suzuki Swift, Fronx Strong Hybrid Incoming — All Details

A new report reveals that Maruti Suzuki is indeed working on its own strong hybrid powertrain for the future models. The carmaker currently offers strong hybrid in two of its models, both of which are taken from Toyota. Maruti’s low cost and efficient strong hybrid system will power its future small cars like the Swift and Fronx. Read on to know more about the Maruti Suzuki strong hybrid powertrain for the Swift, Fronx and other future models.

Maruti Suzuki Developing Its Own Strong Hybrid

Since the demise of the diesel engine under the Maruti Suzuki portfolio, the carmaker has been struggling to find its alternative and bring back the lost share. Sure, CNGs have been a great counter offer but customers demand more than affordable driving. Strong hybrid powertrains are a great alternative to diesels; they have superb fuel efficiency but also loads of instantaneous torque, thanks to the electric drive. However, strong hybrids are expensive; the Grand Vitara hybrid costs over 2 lakh more than its naturally-aspirated variants.

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In order to mass democratise strong hybrid powertrains, Maruti Suzuki is working on its own series hybrid powertrains for the low- and mid-level models. The powertrain in question could incorporate a 1.2-litre Z-series petrol engine, a couple of electric motors and a small battery pack, eventually powering future and current models including the Swift and Fronx.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Facelift Incoming?

As per the reports, the upcoming strong hybrid system from Maruti Suzuki could debut with the Fronx facelift, which is said to be due next year. The Fronx was launched in 2023 and should receive a facelift by the end of 2025. The Fronx is currently available with a choice of two engine options — a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol. The latter engine has failed to find success, with its share in the total sales plummeting below 10%! 

Maruti Suzuki Series Hybrid Powertrain Details

As per the reports, Maruti Suzuki’s strong hybrid powertrain will be quite different from the one it shares with Toyota. Unlike the Toyota powerplant that uses a parallel hybrid setup, the Maruti Suzuki’s unit will be a series hybrid, where the engine will only act as a generator to the electric drivetrain and not directly power the wheels.

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We have seen such series hybrid powertrains in global models like the Nissan Leaf and these are commonly referred to as range extenders. The name comes from its functioning as its the motor that powers the wheels while the engine is responsible to feed power to the battery, acting as a generator. Needless to say, Maruti Suzuki will use economies of scale and heavy localisation to bring the costs down while subsidies from the government will act as a cherry on the cake.