Maruti Suzuki is taking a significant step toward bringing strong hybrid technology to the masses. Reports suggest that the company is working on a hybrid powertrain for its popular models, with the upcoming Fronx facelift (codenamed: YTB) being the first to feature it.
Recently, a test mule of the Fronx hybrid was seen on the streets of Gurgaon. The car had no camouflage and looked almost identical to the current Fronx. However, one small but important detail stood out—a ‘Hybrid’ badge on the rear. Unlike the existing model, the badge positions have swapped, with ‘Fronx’ now appearing on the right side of the boot lid instead of the left.
What’s Under the Hood?
The Fronx hybrid is expected to be powered by Maruti Suzuki’s first in-house strong hybrid system, based on the Z12E engine—a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol unit. This system is likely to adopt a series hybrid setup, where the petrol engine will act primarily as a generator to charge the battery, while an electric motor handles the actual driving.
This setup could offer impressive fuel efficiency, which is a big draw for budget-conscious buyers. While Maruti already offers hybrid technology in models like the Grand Vitara (via Toyota’s system), this new hybrid system will reportedly be more cost-effective and tailored for mass-market models.
Expected Launch
If the timeline stays on track, we could see the Fronx hybrid debut in 2026. This hybrid system is also rumored to be rolled out to other models, like the next-gen Baleno and Swift (report), as part of Maruti’s larger push toward greener mobility.
By developing its own hybrid tech, Maruti Suzuki is looking to make fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles more accessible, keeping up with evolving customer preferences and stricter emission norms.
