5 Affordable Strong Hybrid Sub-4 Meter SUVs Launching Soon: Hyundai Bayon To Mahindra Vision S
A lot of people have understood that the future of mobility in India is not just limited to electric vehicles. Instead, strong hybrids are now becoming very popular because they don't require dedicated charging infrastructure like electric vehicles. Now, if you are someone who is planning to buy an affordable strong hybrid SUV in the near future, then you have come to the right spot. Here are the details of 5 upcoming strong hybrid SUVs.
One of the most interesting upcoming hybrid SUVs will be the production version of the Mahindra Vision S concept. This concept was showcased alongside Mahindra's new NU_IQ platform last year in August. This SUV will be based on the flexible multi-energy architecture, which will be capable of supporting petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The production-spec Vision S will be a sub-4m SUV, and most likely it will come powered by a strong hybrid powertrain.
It is expected to get a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. Mahindra is also expected to offer multiple powertrain choices on this platform, of which the hybrid version will become the most fuel-efficient. The Vision S Hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 18 lakh. As for the launch, most likely it will take place before the end of this year.
The French automaker Renault is also gearing up to launch its second affordable strong hybrid SUV in India. This will be none other than the Bridger sub-compact SUV, which was recently showcased by the company in its concept form. The Bridger SUV will feature a rugged and upright design along with a boxy stance. It will be based on Renault's RGMP Small platform, which is a multi-energy architecture also underpinning the new-generation Duster.
Its main highlight will be the 1.2-litre strong hybrid powertrain, which is being developed around Horse Powertrain's HR12 engine architecture. This setup will combine a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine operating on the Miller cycle with hybrid technology. Renault is targeting a fuel efficiency figure of around 30 kmpl, which could make it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the segment. Its expected pricing will most likely range between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 22 lakh, and it will be launched in 2027.
Next up is Hyundai, which is planning to launch the second-generation Bayon in India later this year. The SUV will slot in between the Venue and Creta, and it is expected to become an important part of Hyundai's future lineup. The company is currently developing a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which has been designed to support strong hybrid technology.
The Bayon Hybrid will use this new powertrain and will also get an e-CVT automatic transmission. Another important advantage for Hyundai will be component sharing with the next-generation i20. This will help in reducing costs and keep its pricing competitive. The Hyundai Bayon Hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 14 lakh and Rs 17 lakh.
Following the launch of the Renault Bridger, its strategic partner Nissan is expected to introduce its own version of the SUV. This model will be very important for Nissan's revival strategy for the Indian market. The SUV will share the same RGMP Small platform as the Renault Bridger and will use the identical 1.2-litre strong hybrid powertrain.
It will also use the same Miller-cycle turbocharged petrol engine and advanced hybrid system developed by Horse Powertrain. Like its Renault sibling, the Nissan hybrid SUV is expected to provide a fuel efficiency close to 30 kmpl. As for the pricing, it is expected to remain between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 22 lakh.
The South Korean automotive giant Kia is also gearing up to launch the strong hybrid version of the next-generation Sonet. Internally codenamed QY2E, the new Sonet is expected to debut in 2027. Meanwhile, its hybrid version could make its debut in late 2028 or early 2029. The SUV will be based on the upgraded K2 platform, which is shared with the Kia Syros.
Initially, the next-generation Sonet is expected to continue with the existing 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel engine options. However, later, Kia will add Hyundai’s newly developed 1.2-litre strong hybrid powertrain to the lineup. At the moment, power and torque figures have not yet been revealed. Its pricing is expected to range between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 18 lakh.