Team siliconindia

• Maruti Suzuki to roll out its first in-house small hybrid car by Q2 FY27
• Fronx compact SUV likely to feature new strong hybrid powertrain
• New engine to help meet upcoming CAFE-III fuel efficiency norms

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, is gearing up to launch its first small hybrid vehicle by the second quarter of FY27, with the Fronx compact SUV expected to debut the company’s indigenously developed strong hybrid powertrain, according to reports.

The upcoming hybrid will feature Maruti’s new Z-Series 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, first introduced in the latest Swift and soon to be used in the Dzire sedan. This marks the automaker’s first step toward deploying its own hybrid technology, after previously using Toyota’s system in models like the Grand Vitara, Invicto, and Victoris.

Sources indicate that the Fronx hybrid is currently in advanced testing, with plans for a market launch in Q2 FY27. The decision to introduce hybrid technology in the Fronx over the Swift or Baleno was driven by its strong sales performance and the rising demand for compact SUVs in India.

Maruti aims to strengthen its sub-4-metre lineup, which currently runs on petrol and CNG powertrains, by offering a fuel-efficient hybrid option that appeals to a wider audience.

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Industry data shows that strong hybrid sales in India have nearly doubled over two years, rising from 41,477 units in FY23 to over 1 lakh in FY25. The new Fronx hybrid will also benefit from the revised 18% GST rate under GST 2.0, making it more affordable compared to earlier tax brackets.

This launch aligns with Maruti’s strategy to meet CAFE-III emission norms effective April 2027 and boost its leadership in the growing hybrid vehicle segment.