Recently, a test mule of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno was spotted testing with strain gauges attached to its all four wheels. Design and styling of the prototype is exactly similar to the existing model. Speculations are on rife that the carmaker is testing the hatchback with a new powertrain that could be a full-hybrid system developed under its partnership with Toyota or a BS6-compliant 1.5L diesel engine. Read – Maruti Baleno’s Teaser With “A Big Surprise” Tagline – 1.0L Boosterjet?
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno hybrid was spotted testing a couple of times before. Just so you know, the Indo-Japanese carmaker has been developing hybrid powertrain in collaboration with Bosch. If reports are to be believed the new 48V “strong hybrid” technology might be christened “sHEV 48V”. Compared to the standard model, the new Baleno with full-hybrid system will be more fuel economical.
As mentioned above, Maruti Suzuki is planning to re-introduce the BS6-compliant 1.5L diesel engine in BS6 guise. According to a latest report, the Vitara Brezza compact SUV and Ertiga MPV might receive the new diesel engine sometime in 2021. The carmaker has already begun upgrading its Manesar based engine facility to roll out BS6-ready diesel motors from mid or during 2021 festive season.
In 2018, Bosh had unveiled the Maruti Baleno based electric car featuring a 10kWh battery back and an electric motor. Currently, the hatchback is available with 1.2L K-Series petrol and 1.2L Dualjet petrol with SHVS mild hybrid powertrains.
In other news, Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce 5 new utility vehicles in coming years. The first one to roll out will be a new C-segment MPV developed jointly by Suzuki and Toyota. It will be based on the FWD monocoque platform and is expected to launch in the second half of 2021. The carmaker will also give a generation change to its popular Vitara Brezza compact SUV, which will be followed by a mid-size SUV, a Baleno-based crossover and Jimny compact off-roader.
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