Maruti Suzuki, the leading car seller in India, is planning a hybrid version of the Fronx, moving towards hybrid technology. The company is currently developing a hybrid version of the Fronx, which has been spotted undergoing testing. This indicates that a launch is likely in the near future.
The testing model included LIDAR sensors, which suggests that the hybrid Fronx could have an ADAS system, potentially with Level-2 ADAS. The e-Vitara already has Level-2 ADAS, and it is anticipated that other Maruti models will also be enhanced with safety features.
The prototype’s appearance coincided with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s announcement of its powertrain roadmap. The car’s appearance is similar to the existing petrol version, with only a hybrid badge to distinguish it, confirming that it’s a hybrid of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno-based crossover, which will be sold through the Nexa showroom network.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid will potentially be powered by a new Super 48V hybrid system. This will involve an electric motor combined with a new 1.0-liter or a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine. The existing design and features are expected to largely remain unchanged, with the addition of Level-2 ADAS features along with the current safety features.
Specific performance and fuel economy figures have not yet been revealed. While the launch timeline remains unknown, the car’s appearance during testing without camouflage suggests that the launch could occur later this year. The Fronx has become the fastest-exported crossover from India, reaching a milestone of 100,000 units exported in 25 months from June 2023. The hybrid version is also likely to be exported to major international markets.