Five compact SUVs with strong-hybrid tech set to arrive, from Maruti Suzuki to Honda

Carbon emission norms are tightening steadily in India and across the world, while customers want vehicles that combine strong performance with good mileage. With both in mind, major carmakers are making big preparations to launch vehicles with "strong-hybrid" technology in the Indian market.

Between conventional petrol-diesel (ICE) vehicles and fully electric vehicles (EVs), self-charging hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are fast becoming a popular and strong option. In the sub-4-metre compact SUV segment in particular, five such vehicles are due soon, capable of delivering more than 30 km per litre on real roads.

First is the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Hybrid. Maruti Suzuki has officially announced that it will bring series-hybrid technology, developed in India, to its compact vehicles. The Fronx will be the country's first crossover car with this technology. It will have a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Z-series petrol engine that will act as a range extender and power the electric motor. Maruti aims to extract more than 35 kmpl from the vehicle. All components are being made in India, so it is being described as the country's most affordable strong-hybrid setup.

Second is the Renault Bridger. Renault India will launch this new compact SUV next year, first with an internal combustion engine (ICE). The company has also confirmed that a hybrid powertrain option will be offered later. The vehicle will be built on the local Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP). It is likely to get a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a multi-mode hybrid drive system, and a target of 30+ km per litre has been set.

Third is Mahindra and Mahindra. It is preparing two new sub-4-metre SUVs, the "Vision S" and "Vision X" (next-generation XUV 3XO), on its new NU_IQ modular platform. The SUV based on the Vision S is likely to be the smallest car in Mahindra's Scorpio family. The company plans to add a strong-hybrid engine option to both vehicles in future.

Fourth are Kia and Hyundai. Kia India is working on a next-generation model of its popular compact SUV Sonet, which will initially come only with conventional engine options. Hyundai will introduce a hybrid version of its new-generation Venue. The hybrid engine in both SUVs will probably be based on a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and a small battery pack.

Fifth is Honda's new compact SUV. Honda is making a major plan to bring an all-new compact SUV to India by 2028. It is likely to be based on the WR-V sold in the Indonesian market. It is expected to offer petrol, hybrid and CNG powertrain options. Its price is estimated at between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, and production could begin by October 2028.