Maruti Suzuki are all set to launch a new variant in their Baleno range which features next-gen Smart Hybrid technology. The Indo-Japanese car manufacturer says that the new engine will reduce emissions and have customers making fewer trips to fuel stations. In fact, it is the marque’s first BS VI-compliant car and the only Smart Hybrid in its segment. the existing petrol variants will also be BS VI-compliant.
The new engine is a 1.2-litre Dualjet, Dual VVT BS-VI unit that produces 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm at 4,400 rpm. This new Smart Hybrid technology variant comes with a lithium-ion battery which is used for assisting acceleration and performance, without the compromise of reduced fuel-efficiency. The variant will also see the inclusion of Start/Stop function when idle, which has already been seen in a few recent launches. Additionally, the batteries charge when the vehicle decelerates, which only adds to the efficiency of the vehicle. Maruti Suzuki are also claiming 23.87 km for every litre of fuel consumed.
This BS VI engine has seen a reduction of nearly 25 per cent of its nitrogen oxide emissions and limiting of non-methane hydrocarbons emissions too. This has been achieved by upgrading both engine hardware, software, and the exhaust system.
R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said “Baleno has been a blockbuster car from day one. We have over 5.5 lakh happy Baleno customers since its launch in 2015 and sold more than 2 lakh units in the last fiscal year. We recently upgraded Baleno with latest design and technology. At Maruti Suzuki, we strive to bring newer, better and environment-friendly technologies to our products. Baleno Smart Hybrid with BS VI stands testament to the same. We are confident that the premium hatchback Baleno will present a complete package in line with aspirations of evolving customers.”
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Smart Hybrid will be available in only two variants of the Baleno range, Delta and Zeta. Pricing for the Smart Hybrid Delta is Rs 7.25 lakh, and Rs 7.86 lakh for the Zeta (both are ex-showroom prices).
