Maruti Suzuki has been the undisputed leader in the small car segment ever since its inception in the 1980s with the Maruti 800. However, the craze for small cars has dwindled over the years, with more preference for compact and mid-size SUVs these days. Yet, Maruti remains hopeful that demand for entry-level hatchbacks will see a revival in the future.
Currently, Maruti Alto K10 is the most budget-friendly model in the brand’s lineup, with a starting price of Rs 4.09 lakh, followed closely by the S-Presso at Rs 4.27 lakh. The only other entry-level car on offer in the market is the Renault Kwid, priced at Rs 4.69 (all prices ex-showroom).
Recently, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), parent company of Maruti Suzuki, released its new mid-term management plan where the Japanese auto giant curbed its EV ambitions. Instead, Suzuki will be working on introducing more hybrids and flex-fuel models in the future.
Maruti Suzuki working on entry-level hybrid, flex-fuel vehicle
When it comes to alternate fuel, Maruti Suzuki has the widest range of CNG models in the passenger vehicle market. With the Government of India pushing for flex-fuel vehicles in recent months, Suzuki has made it a point to tap into this technology in the near future. The mid-management report mentions Suzuki working on an entry-level model for first-time buyers with flex-fuel technology.
Besides flex-fuel, this prospective model will also be offered in mild-hybrid and CNG powertrains. As of now, there are no concrete details on this model but Maruti is targeting buyers with an annual income between Rs 5 – 13 lakh. This model is very different from the low-cost India-specific electric car that Maruti is developing. According to the mid-term plan, both these entry-level models mentioned above are expected to arrive before FY2031.
Maruti Suzuki expansion of SUV range
Suzuki’s mid-term management plan also states that company will be expanding its current SUV range with new powertrain options which will include battery electric vehicle (BEV), strong hybrid (S-HEV), mild hybrid, (M-HEV), CNG and flex-fuel vehicles (FFV). The Grand Vitara already comes with CNG, SHEV, and MHEV options whereas the eVitara fulfills the BEV option. A flex-fuel option for Grand Vitara is likely on cards for the future.
Besides the 5-seat SUV range, Maruti is also working on a seven-seat derivative of the Grand Vitara which will gain the strong hybrid powertrain from its smaller sibling. Not only thus, but the Indo-Japanese carmaker will also introduce a fully-electric SUV in this space which means a three-row, battery derivative of the eVitara in the coming future.
