2019 Maruti Baleno Smart Hybrid Model in the works – Spied
The 2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s 1.2-litre petrol version is most likely to receive the new SHVS mild-hybrid system
Maruti Suzuki has recently updated the Baleno hatchback in the Indian market. Interestingly, the new Baleno has been spotted testing with mild-hybrid – SHVS badge on the Indian roads. For people not in the know, Maruti Suzuki has been exporting the Baleno mild-hybrid model to overseas markets since 2016. It is expected that the company is readying the Baleno SHVS model for the domestic market as well.
We informed you earlier that Maruti Suzuki could go only petrol in the Indian market. Models like Swift, Baleno and Dzire could only be available in petrol avatar. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is also looking at alternative fuel options including CNG for the existing cars. It is no secret that Fiat’s 1.3L MJD diesel engine that currently powers the Maruti Swift, Baleno, Dzire, Vitara Brezza and S-Cross will be phased out.
Fiat has already confirmed that the 1.3L MJD diesel engine won’t be upgraded to meet the upcoming BSVI emission norms. Moreover, the price gap between the diesel and petrol cars will go up to Rs 2.5 lakh from the current 1 lakh. The smart hybrid version for the Baleno is the move to higher fuel efficiency for the petrol-powered model.
The Maruti Baleno diesel is claimed to return 27.39kmpl; however, the Baleno SHVS is not likely to reach this mark. However, the SHVS mild-hybrid is likely to significantly increase the fuel efficiency of the petrol Baleno. The Maruti Baleno is available with 2 petrol engine options – a 1.2-litre and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged. While the former is claimed to return 21.4kmpl, the Boosterjet model returns 21.1kmpl. It is expected that the SHVS mild-hybrid system will be offered in the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine.
