8 Affordable Hybrid Cars Launching Soon: Renault Duster Hybrid To MG Starlight 560
Hybrid technology is emerging as the next big trend in the Indian automotive industry. This segment now has a limited number of options. This is set to change as several manufacturers are now preparing to launch strong hybrid models. These span segments and price ranges. Tightening emission norms are one key driver behind the hybrid push. The upcoming CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) norms have necessitated electrification of some form. Here are 8 hybrid models expected to launch in India soon.
The newly-launched third-generation Renault Duster is now available with two engine options- 1.0L turbocharged petrol and 1.3L turbocharged petrol. A new strong hybrid petrol powertrain is expected to be introduced sometime around the festive season this year.
It will have a 1.8L naturally aspirated, Atkinson cycle petrol engine at its centre. This will be mated to a 1.4kWh battery pack and two electric motors, one of which will function as the generator while the other will drive the wheels.
This setup is expected to deliver an output of around 160hp and significantly better fuel efficiency than non-hybrid petrol engines. This powertrain will be mated to a multi-mode transmission that would allow seamless switching between petrol, electric and hybrid modes.
The styling, cabin packaging and equipment array are expected to remain unchanged on the hybrid Duster.
Nissan will launch its version of the Duster by mid 2026. It will be underpinned by the same RGMP platform as the Renault SUV and will get the same set of turbo-petrol engines. Like the Duster, the Tekton will also get a hybrid petrol engine. It will use the same 1.8L petrol engine-based setup with the 1.4kWh battery pack, and will have identical output and fuel efficiency figures.
The Tekton will, however, differ sharply with its interior and exterior designs. It will come with more Nissan-specific styling cues. The packaging and feature list will remain identical between the two SUVs.
Toyota Hyryder is one of the most popular strong hybrid mid-size SUVs on sale today. Maruti Suzuki sells a badge-engineered version of it, under the name ‘Grand Vitara’. Both these SUVs were first launched in 2022, and are now due to facelifts. Toyota and Maruti Suzuki could roll out facelifts on these sometime this year. The update is expected to bring minor styling changes and equipment improvements to these vehicles. The 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain will remain mostly untouched.
Image source: Rushlane
Recently, a seven-seater mid-size SUV based on the Toyota Hyryder was spied undergoing high altitude testing in India. The prototype seemed to be significantly longer than the SUV that’s currently on sale, and even had a longer wheelbase. It is expected to come with a strong hybrid powertrain similar to the one seen on the five-seater. It is likely that Maruti Suzuki would also introduce a badge-engineered version of this seven-seater sometime in the future.
Honda Cars India will launch a strong hybrid version of the Elevate SUV this year. It will have a powertrain that differs sharply from that of the City e:HEV. It will use the same 1.5L petrol engine but will pair it with a lighter battery pack and more energy-dense electric motors. This setup will be more localised than the City hybrid’s powertrain and is claimed to be more cost effective and less complex in comparison.
MG plans to launch a three-row plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, as a potential rival to the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. It will be a badge-engineered version of the Wuling Starlight 560. The project is now internally codenamed 520.
The PHEV space remains largely unexplored, and that’s where the 520 SUV would plug itself into. Its powertrain will consist of a 1.5L petrol engine mated to a 20.5kWh battery pack and an electric motor. It will have a combined system output of 197 hp and 230Nm. The SUV will be able to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 9.7 seconds and will have a top-speed of 170 kph. It will even have an all-electric (CLTC) range of 100 km.
Kia will launch the Sorento hybrid in the second half of this year. It will be a three-row SUV and will compete with the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and MG Starlight 560 when launched. It is expected to stay close to the global Sorento with its styling and packaging.
The India-spec Sorento is expected to get a newly-developed 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain. It will have a 1.5-litre petrol engine at its heart. This will be mated to an electric motor and a battery pack. The power and torque outputs of this setup aren’t known yet. It will come mated to an e-CVT or a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The advantages of this powertrain will be lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. The Sorento is also expected to come equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD) and could be priced in the ballpark of Rs 30 lakh.