Maruti Suzuki is focusing on hybrid technology, with plans to release a hybrid version of the Maruti Fronx. The company is reportedly working on the hybrid variant, and testing has commenced in India. The public sightings during testing indicate that Maruti Suzuki may launch it soon.
The testing model featured LIDAR sensors, suggesting that the hybrid Fronx may incorporate the ADAS system, and possibly with Level-2 ADAS capabilities. Maruti’s e-Vitara already has Level-2 ADAS, and it is expected that the company will enhance safety features in other models, too.
Interestingly, the prototype was observed around the time Suzuki Motor Corporation announced its powertrain roadmap. The car mirrors the current petrol version, with only a hybrid badge at the back, signifying that this is the hybrid iteration of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno-based crossover, which will be sold through the Nexa showroom network.
The upcoming Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid is expected to use a new Super 48V hybrid system. The electric motor will be paired with a new 1.0-liter or 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine. Design and features will be similar to the existing model, with the addition of Level-2 ADAS features on top of the current safety features.
Details on power, torque, and fuel efficiency are not available yet. The launch date is also unconfirmed. However, as the car was seen during testing without any camouflage, it is expected to launch later this year. The Fronx is India’s fastest-exported crossover, with 100,000 units exported within 25 months from June 2023. The hybrid version is also likely to be exported to major international markets.