Maruti Suzuki is set to launch its debut compact hybrid SUV in India. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx was spotted testing in Gurugram recently. The test mule was completely undisguised. The Fronx Hybrid will feature Suzuki’s in-house hybrid tech. The hybrid tech on Grand Vitara and Invicto is borrowed from Toyota as a part of the global collaboration between the two automakers.Â
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Maruti Suzuki Fronx Hybrid: What to expect?
Apart from the ‘Hybrid’ badging, there are no cosmetic differences between the two powertrain variants of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The ‘Fronx’ badging is present on the right side of the tailgate in the Hybrid variant, as opposed to the left side on the regular model.
Maruti Suzuki’s hybrid tech will use the petrol engine to recharge the battery pack linked to the electric motor. The electric motor, and not the petrol engine, will power the rear wheels. The strong-hybrid powertrain could deliver a mileage of 30kmpl. Currently, the 1.2-litre K series petrol engine powering the Maruti Suzuki Fronx offers a mileage of 21.79kmpl with a manual transmission and 22.89kmpl with an automatic transmission. This engine produces a maximum power output of 90hp and 113Nm of torque.
The Fronx is also available in a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. This engine can produce a maximum power output of 100hp and 147Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the CNG model of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is based on the 1.2-litre K series engine and produces a maximum power output of 77.5hp and 98.5Nm of torque. It delivers a mileage of 28.51 km/kg. The strong-hybrid model will be linked to the Z12E petrol engine found on the new Swift hatchback. On the Switch, this 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 80hp and 112Nm of torque.
The petrol variants of Maruti Suzuki Fronx are packed with features like a 9.0-inch Smart Pro Play+ infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Head Up Display, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera. These features will be carried forward to the hybrid version of the SUV as well. The cabin and dashboard layout is expected to remain the same as well.
Read Also: Tata Nexon CNG Dark Edition priced at Rs 12.70 lakh
Conclusion
Maruti Suzuki has kept a tight lid on the launch schedule of the Fronx Hybrid. Sources say that it could arrive by the end of the year. While it doesn’t have any true rivals right now, other automakers are also planning to launch their strong hybrid compact SUVs later this year. We expect the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Hybrid to cost around Rs 9 lakh. The regular lineup of the SUV is priced between Rs 7.51 lakh – Rs 13.04 lakh.
