8 New Hybrid Cars From Maruti And Toyota: Corolla Cross To Fronx Hybrid
In the past few months, we have seen the hybrid segment gaining momentum in India. More people are now choosing them over conventional powertrains. Toyota currently has a clear dominance in this space. Maruti also has a strong representation, thanks to the ongoing joint venture with Toyota. The duo is expected to launch several new hybrid models in the coming years. These will have strong hybrid and series hybrid models.
The Maruti Fronx currently has a strong foothold in the Indian market. It is now available with naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. The crossover is expected to get a hybrid powertrain in the future. Even though Suzuki has a strong hybrid version of it on sale abroad, India will likely get a new series-hybrid version. This will be more affordable and fuel-efficient.
In a series hybrid setup, the wheels will be driven by the electric motor. The petrol engine will function as a generator to charge the battery pack, which will, in turn, power the wheels.
The Fronx hybrid is likely to use the 1.2-litre Z12E petrol engine as its base. The setup will deliver a combined fuel efficiency of around 35 kpl. The new Fronx will likely see the addition of features like ADAS as well.
The Taisor is Toyota’s version of the Fronx. Soon after the launch of the hybrid Fronx, a similar update can be expected on the Taisor as well. It will use the same powertrain setup as the Suzuki and will likely have a fuel efficiency of around 35kpl. Feature improvements will also mimic those of the upcoming Fronx.
Toyota is planning to bring a new seven-seater SUV to the Indian shores by 2028-29. The project, currently codenamed 340D, will spawn a vehicle built on the TNGA-C platform. This is, in fact, the same platform that underpins the Innova Hycross. It is likely to be named Corolla Cross and will have its ex-showroom price in the ballpark of Rs 30 lakh. In the carmaker’s India portfolio, it will slot between the Hyryder and the Fortuner. The powertrain is likely to be a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid petrol unit.
The Innova Crysta will reportedly meet the end of its road next year. Toyota will then pitch affordable (read stripped down) version of the Hycross Hybrid as ideal alternatives. This will cater primarily to fleet buyers and will try to match the diesel MPV in operating expenses. It will omit certain features offered by the higher-spec hycross hybrid but will retain the 2.0L strong hybrid powertrain and e-CVT transmission.
Toyota is said to be developing a seven-seater version of its popular C-SUV- the Hyryder. Test mule sightings have indicated that this vehicle will be significantly longer than the outgoing Hyryder, and will possibly have a slightly longer wheelbase as well. Inside, there will be three rows of seats and a feature list that would remain more or less similar to what the five-seater offers. Powertrains are also likely to be borrowed from the Hyryder- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre strong-hybrid.
Maruti Suzuki could also introduce its version of this SUV in the future. In other words, the seven-seater Grand Vitara. Like the Toyota, this vehicle will also borrow its feature list and powertrains from the five-seater counterpart. The Grand Vitara afterall, is a rebadged Hyryder.
Now that we have talked about the Grand Vitara and Hyryder, these SUVs are also likely to get facelifts soon. They were originally launched in 2022 and are both due for mid-life updates. These facelifts will give the duo subtle design tweaks, likely new wheels, and more features. The powertrain options of the outgoing models are expected to continue- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, CNG, and strong-hybrid petrol.