New Maruti Suzuki Baleno Smart Hybrid spied on test

- Maruti Suzuki might launch the Smart Hybrid with the Baleno in India.

- Mated to the 1.2-litre petrol motor, the Smart Hybrid is sold in the international markets with an SVHS badge.

- No official details are available at the moment.

A Maruti Suzuki Baleno with a ‘Smart Hybrid’ badged was recently spotted testing on Indian roads. This mild hybrid version of the Nexa hatchback is already sold in the international markets but with an SVHS badge. So Maruti might be preparing the same mild hybrid Baleno for the Indian market, especially since the 1.3-litre DDiS is likely to be put to rest come next year.

The sans camouflage prototype was the MY2019 Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and except for the ‘Smart Hybrid’ badge on the tailgate, there were no visible changes on the car. This mild-hybrid technology comes mated to the 1.2-litre K12C petrol motor. With the Smart Hybrid system, Maruti is aiming at a further boost in the fuel efficiency of the petrol motor which already claims a figure of 21.4kmpl under ARAI. Since the frugal 1.3-litre DDiS has a fuel efficiency of almost 27.39 – after its cessation owing to new emission norms kicking in – the hybrid-petrol powertrain might be the best way forward for Maruti. Hence, after its successful sale in the international markets, the carmaker might bring the Baleno Smart Hybrid to India. No official details of the same are available at the moment, and we’ll have to wait to get any confirmation regarding the same.

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