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With the increasing concern for fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles, hybrid vehicles are emerging as the first choice of buyers. The segment of hybrid vehicles at present is dominated by the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Innova Hycross; models like Grand Vitara and Invicto from Maruti Suzuki are also among the major players. Inspired by the success enjoyed by these vehicles, manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, and Kia are now preparing to enter the hybrid car market in the next couple of years. Although hybrid vehicles from these makers are yet to enter the market, vehicles like Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Mahindra XUV 3XO are among the highly awaited models to mark their presence in the segment.

 

 

The Maruti Fronx Hybrid is expected to be the brand’s first model to be empowered with an all-new, in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain. At present, the model is codenamed HEV. This new hybrid system is believed to be more cost-effective and efficient than Toyota’s Atkinson cycle setup, currently used in the Grand Vitara and Invicto.

Maruti is likely to integrate hybrid technology into its Z12E 3-cylinder petrol engine, which will function as a generator and supply power to a 1.5kWh–2kWh battery pack. The electric motor will drive the front wheels, maintaining a balance between performance and fuel economy.

According to recent reports, the upcoming Fronx Hybrid could be equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), marking a major advancement in Maruti’s compact SUV lineup.

 

The domestic carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra is also considering entering the hybrid segment. According to reports, the Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid can be the first vehicle from Mahindra to be powered with hybrid technology. 

This subcompact SUV is expected to come with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with hybrid technology. In between, it is speculated that Mahindra’s upcoming Born Electric SUV lineup might feature range-extender configurations, combining electric power with improved range flexibility.

 

While official prices are yet to be confirmed, both the Maruti Fronx Hybrid and Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid are expected to be priced about Rs 2 lakh higher than their petrol-powered counterparts. With the launch of these models, the Indian market will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the hybrid segment of the Indian auto industry. The vehicles empowered with this technology would be fuel-efficient and within the budget.