The largest automobile producer in India, Maruti Suzuki may be introduced its much-anticipated premium hatchback, Baleno in India with the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild-hybrid system. Currently, company’s Manesar-based assembly facility produces Suzuki Baleno for India and other global markets. And one of the export models, a right-hand drive Baleno which is made for the markets like the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia, was also seen with brand’s hybrid technology.
Image Source: Car and Bike
The hybrid Baleno SHVS is currently on sale in the European market with 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine. As far as concern of this Baleno SHVS for India launch, there are no such immediate plans, though, the current Indian model of Baleno can easily adapt the technology and may be considered in the future.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno is higher on demand not only in India but in the other international markets too and has a long waiting period for delivery. Currently, the company only has Manesar facility for Baleno, which is at its maximum capacity of 10,000-12,000 units per month and an international. Though, Maruti will soon start its new production plant in Gujarat which will further contribute to Baleno production and kill the long waiting period of the car. The production work is expected to begin from the mid of February next year.
Image Source: Car and Bike
There is a greater advantage in India on the hybrid vehicles, as such vehicles get a subsidy under the Indian Government’s FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid) scheme, plus Suzuki’s patent hybrid technology, SHVS is not much expensive, though it is a cost effective solution to improve fuel economy. Currently, the carmaker offers Ciaz sedan and Ertiga MPV in India with SHVS technology and both the cars get a subsidy of INR 13,000 under FAME scheme.
Currently on sale in the country, Maruti Suzuki Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. The 1.2-litre VVT petrol is capable of producing a maximum power output of 83 bhp and maximum torque of 115 Nm. The power mill is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a CVT gearbox. On the other hand, the 1.3 DDiS diesel engine churns out peak power at 74bhp and peak torque of 190 Nm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The base model of the Baleno costs INR 5.25 lakh, while the top end variant comes with the price tag of INR 8.35 lakh. Both the prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.
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