In the past 1 year, we have witnessed 3 exciting new hybrid cars in the Indian market. While Honda has launched the City e:HEV, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota has introduced the Grand Vitara and the Hyryder hybrid SUVs in our market. These hybrids have received positive response from buyers, thanks to higher fuel efficiency. In the next 1 year, 4 new hybrid cars will be launched in our market.
1. Toyota Innova Hycross
Japanese automaker, Toyota will launch the new Innova Hycross in the Indian market in early next year. Scheduled to make global debut in November 2022 in Indonesia, the new MPV will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0L NA petrol & a strong hybrid. The new model will be sold alongside the Innova Crysta, which is hugely popular among fleet operators. It will be based on a front-wheel-drive TNGA-C platform and will have larger dimensions compared to the Innova Crysta. The vehicle could get the heavily localized version of the THS II (Toyota Hybrid System), which has a twin-motor layout that enhance its high ‘step-off’ torque and fuel efficiency.
2. Maruti’s C-segment MPV
Maruti Suzuki will also launch a new C-segment MPV, which will be based on the new Innova Hycross. The new model is expected to be launched in the mid-2023. It will be sold exclusively through NEXA premium dealership network. The new C-segment MPV will be most expensive model from the Indo-Japanese automaker. The front-wheel-drive model will be produced at Toyota’s Bidadi based plant. It will share the engine options with the Innova Hycross, which will include a 2.0L NA petrol and a 2.0L petrol with a strong hybrid tech.
3. Nissan X-Trail
Nissan has recently showcased 3 new SUVs – Juke, X-Trail and the Qashqai SUV out of which, the X-Trail will first go on sale in our market in 2023. The new Nissan X-Trail will come via CBU route and feature the brand’s e-Power hybrid technology. The SUV is likely to be offered with two powertrain options – a 163PS, 1.5L turbo-charged petrol engine and a 1.5L turbo petrol with a strong hybrid tech. Called the e-Power tech, the X-Trail’s hybrid powertrain offers 204PS and 300Nm of torque in 2WD setup and 213PS & up to 525Nm in 4WD setup.
4. Honda Compact SUV
After launching the new City hybrid, Honda is planning to launch 2 new SUVs in our market. These two SUVs are likely to be offered with petrol and petrol strong hybrid tech. The company will first launch a new sub-4 meter SUV, which is expected to debut in early next year. It will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and others. The new model will be based on the Amaze’s platform and is expected to share the engine options with the City sedan. It is likely to be offered with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5L Atkinson cycle engine with a strong hybrid tech.
