Maruti’s upcoming hybrid SUV is looking to bring semi-electric power to the masses. Here’s what we expect it to offer.
Maruti is gearing up to give us the first look of its upcoming compact SUV. It will be revealed on 20th July. The SUV is squarely aimed at the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, and, it will share its underpinnings, powertrains and features with recently revealed Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Both the Maruti and Toyota SUV have been borne out of a partnership between the two carmakers jointly develop vehicles and plug gaps in each-others line-up by cross-badging vehicles.
As we already know the engine options for the Toyota, we know what they are going to be for the Maruti SUV. There will be two petrol engine options - both 1.5-litre in size and naturally aspirated. How they will differ is in the hybrid tech they use. The first one will be Maruti’s own K-series engine with mild-hybrid tech that we have already seen on the XL6 and Brezza. Like these, it will be available with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. What’s new is an AWD system that we don’t that much about, yet. The other 1.5-litre engine will be paired with an electric motor and a small battery, making it a strong-hybrid affair. It will be available with an electronic automatic transmission, and will be front-wheel driven only. Take a look at outputs of both powertrains in the table below:
|
| 1.5-litre, mild-hybrid | 1.5-litre, strong-hybrid* |
| Max Power | 101bhp | 91bhp (engine), 79bhp (electric motor) |
| Peak Torque | 135Nm | 122NMm (engine), 141Nm (electric motor) |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT, 6-speed automatic | e-Drive (automatic) |
| Drive type | FWD, AWD | FWD |
* The engine and the electric motor work together and their combined total power output is capped at 114bhp. While torque will also be capped, we don’t have the exact figure yet.
The strong-hybrid powertrain will be capable of providing electric-only drive in Maruti SUV, just like the Hyryder. The range is not expected to be substantial, but should be enough for short intra-city trips. The mild-hybrid powertrain will have an integrated starter generator (ISG) that we have already seen on other Maruti cars, and it will offer auto start/stop capabilities.
As far as features go, Maruti’s hybrid SUV will pack in all the latest gadgets offered by the Indian carmaker. That means, a head-up display, the new 9-inch touchscreen seen on the XL6, Brezza and Baleno, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats and wireless charging. As far as the sunroof goes, it could be a regular one, or a panoramic unit. While Toyota’s version of the SUV has a panoramic sunroof, Maruti is yet to offer a panoramic sunroof on any of their cars.
While the SUV will be revealed on 20th July, it is expected to be launched a month after that. Bookings should be opened at the reveal, and we expect the Maruti SUV’s to price start at around Rs 10.50 lakh and go up till Rs 20 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). As far as the name goes, Maruti's not given away anything yet but with the Vitara no longer a part of the Brezza moniker, it could be called that.
#The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder image above has been used for representational purposes.
Also Read:
2022 Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV unveiled in India, bookings open at Rs 25,000
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