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• Could become India’s most fuel-efficient car with 35 kmpl claimed mileage • Petrol and CNG-powered models to continue • New powertrain to be only offered in top variants
Maruti Suzuki is planning to double down on the number of hybrid car models following the success of the Grand Vitara SUV. The next-gen Swift model which is scheduled to launch during the first half of 2024 could be the next model to come equipped with a strong-hybrid powertrain option.
Codenamed YED, the new Swift will be powered by an all-new 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine instead of the current K12C unit. The new powertrain will be mated to Toyota’s strong hybrid tech that we’ve already seen in the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Grand Vitara. The system is also getting heavily localised to bring the cost even lower.
Reports suggest that the upcoming Maruti Swift with the strong-hybrid motor could be the most fuel-efficient car in India with an ARAI-rated mileage of 35 kmpl. This will be a massive jump compared to the current model, which has an ARAI figure of 22.56 kmpl. The Grand Vitara strong hybrid has a certified mileage of 27.97 kmpl.
Fuel efficiency is still a primary selling point for compact cars in India. As these vehicles are predominantly used for city use instead of the highway, chances of it running on electric power only are increased. Also, the high economy and lower CO2 emissions from the motor mean it also benefits Maruti’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating. Hybrid vehicles are further awarded ‘Super Points’ in the CAFE II scoring system.
The increased savings consumers will make on fuel should help offset the higher cost of the Swift strong hybrid. While the localisation of components will help the cost, we expect the upcoming model to command a premium of Rs 45,000 over the current model.
The new strong-hybrid powertrain for the upcoming Swift will be offered only on the top-spec variants. The current K12C motor will continue to do duty in lower models in both petrol and CNG trims.