The rising fuel prices forced the automakers to look for alternate fuel options to drive sales in the highly competitive Indian auto maker. While Toyota and Maruti Suzuki have already decided to introduce more fuel efficient hybrid cars, a new set of automakers have announced to launch hybrids in our market. In fact, Japanese brands have asked Government of India to slash tax rates on hybrid cars. In this article, we talk about the upcoming 7 hybrid cars and SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the next 2-3 years –
New Suzuki Swift/ New Dzire
Maruti Suzuki will launch the new generation Swift and Dzire sedan in the Indian market in the first half of 2024. The new models will be based on the heavily revised HEARTECT platform. It comes with styling changes and an all-new interior along with a new engine option. Both models will be offered with petrol and petrol hybrid engines. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder NA petrol engine that produces 82PS and 108Nm of torque.
The hybrid version comes with a DC synchronous motor, offering an additional power and torque outputs of 3.1bhp and 60Nm, respectively. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual and a new CVT automatic. The hybrid version is claimed to return a fuel efficiency of 24.5kmpl, while the regular petrol model delivers a certified fuel economy of 23.4kmpl.
New-Gen Toyota Fortuner
Japanese automaker, Toyota is working on the next generation Fortuner SUV, which is likely to be introduced sometime in 2024. The new Fortuner SUV will share the styling cues from the Tacoma pickup truck, which has recently made its global debut. It will be designed and developed on an all-new TNGA-F architecture, which currently underpins multiple global cars including the Land Cruiser 300, Lexus LX500d and the new Tacoma pickup. This platform is compatible with different body styles and multiple engine options including ICE and hybrid.
It is most likely to feature a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid setup. The engine will be coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This hybrid setup comprises of a 48-volt battery, a small electric motor generator and other components. The hybrid setup is likely to improve the fuel efficiency by 10% and will provide enhanced torque assist.
New Renault Duster
Renault’s affordable brand, Dacia has recently introduced the third-generation Duster SUV in the European market. The India-spec model will be sold under the Renault nameplate. The new Renault Duster SUV is expected to be launched in our market by the end of 2024. It will be offered with 5-and 7-seater options. While the former will rival the Seltos, Creta, Grand Vitara, Elevate and the Hyryder, the 7-seater Duster will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the MG Hector Plus.
The new Duster will be based on the heavily localised Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform, which is compatible with different body styles and engine options including petrol, strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The global-spec model is offered with strong hybrid and mild-hybrid engines. The SUV gets a 94bhp, 1.6L 4-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors (49bhp drive motor), and an electric automatic gearbox (4 engine ratios & 2 motor ratios). It is equipped with a 1.2kWh battery pack, which also supports Regenerative Braking.
The SUV also gets a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 48V mild hybrid motor. Both 4×2 and 4×4 versions will be on offer. This mild hybrid setup features an 0.8kWh battery pack, which also supports regenerative braking system.
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan will launch the fourth generation X-Trail in the Indian market in 2024. This fourth generation X-Trail is based on the Renault-Nissan’s CMF-C platform. It will be the first Nissan e-Power hybrid car in India. It is available with a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with strong hybrid system. This engine with e-Power strong hybrid tech is offered with the 2WD and AWD drivetrain options. With 2WD and 4WD setup, it offers 204PS with 300Nm and 213PS with 525Nm respectively. The SUV’s strong hybrid version can do 0 to 100kmph in 8 seconds (2WD) and 7 seconds (4WD). It is capable to attain a top speed of 170kmph (2WD) and 180kmph (4WD).
Toyota Corolla Cross 7-Seater
Toyota has announced to setup its 3rd production plant in Bidadi, Karnataka. The company is also working on a new 7-seater SUV, which will be produced at the new plant. The new model is expected to be launched sometime in 2025-26. The new Toyota 7-seater SUV will rival the likes of the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and others in its league.
It will be based on the same TNGA-C platform that underpins the global Corolla Cross and the Innova Hycross. This model is also expected to be the 7-seater version of the Corolla Cross SUV. The wheelbase of the India-spec version is likely to have a 150mm longer wheelbase than the 5-seater SUV (2,640mm). Internally called the 340D, the new 7-seater SUV is likely to share the engine options with the Innova Hycross including a 2.0-litre petrol with a strong hybrid tech and a 2.0-litre petrol. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
7-Seater Maruti Grand Vitara
Maruti Suzuki is preparing a new 3-row SUV for the Indian market. It is most likely to be the 7-seater version of the Grand Vitara. The wheelbase is expected to be increased to accommodate third-row seat. MSIL is also likely to make some design changes to differentiate it from the 5-seater Grand Vitara. It will be positioned against the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus. The new model will be powered by a 1.5-litre NA petrol and a 1.5L petrol with Toyota’s strong hybrid tech. Similar to the 5-seater sibling, the 7-seater Grand Vitara will come with Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD system.
