Maruti Suzuki India Limited currently offers the Smart Hybrid tech on the Ciaz, Ertiga and S-Cross. Now the same seems to be getting ready for launch on board the Baleno facelift, which was launched earlier this year in India.
2019 Maruti Baleno with Hybrid badge was spied on test in Gurgaon, without any camouflage. It was spied in a Magma Grey color scheme and appears to be a top spec variant. Apart from its Smart Hybrid badge, there is no other change seen on the 2019 Baleno.
It looks like a production ready variant. Maruti Suzuki Baleno with Smart Hybrid technology could be soon making its way to company showrooms. Watch the spy video below.
Maruti Suzuki currently offers Smart Hybrid technology with its 1.3 DDiS diesel engine and with the K15 petrol engine powered cars. However, the Baleno on sale in the Netherlands is powered by a 1242cc petrol engine with Smart Hybrid technology. This engine will not be making its way onto the India spec model, due to higher tax being charged on petrol cars with over 1200 cc engine.
Maruti claims that their Smart Hybrid feature is an advanced technology that not only helps in increasing fuel efficiency but also enhance driving performance. The engine automatically stops when idle and silently starts when the driver applies pressure on accelerator.
This SHVS technology was seen for the first time on the Ciaz petrol engine. With the launch of new 1.5 liter petrol engine on board the new Ciaz, Maruti has updated their SHVS system to 2nd generation. Instead of single battery, it now comes with dual battery setup; with a Lithium Ion battery capable of storing energy generated during braking so as to assist idle start stop and torque assist functions. The energy stored also assists during acceleration.
Speaking about the 2019 Maruti Baleno, it was launched earlier this year in India. It is priced from Rs.5.45 lakhs for the Sigma petrol variant, going up to Rs.8.60 lakhs for the top of the line Alpha diesel variant. It competes against the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Volkswagen Polo. Maruti Baleno is already the best selling car on sale in the segment. With the launch of mild hybrid option, Maruti can expect even more sales from Baleno.
