In recent news, we saw the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with a hybrid badge slapped on its back being tested out in the open. We had speculations that the Maruti Suzuki Baleno will be launching with a new SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), a mild hybrid technology which is already featured in other Maruti Suzuki models such as the Ciaz, Ertiga and the S-Cross.
The vehicles with SHVS are equipped with a dual battery setup, a conventional battery and another high capacity lithium-ion battery. During coasting and deceleration, the energy generated is stored on the high capacity lithium-ion battery. This energy stored in the lithium-ion battery is then used to power the engine through a belt assisted system during initial starts from standstill reducing engine load and fuel consumption. The lithium-ion battery also provides power required by the starter motor during automatic start/stop reducing the need for engine idle at traffic stops.
For domestic sale, Maruti Suzuki may be bringing the new K12C engine with dual jet technology. The dual jet technology uses two injectors per cylinder as opposed to the conventional single injector per cylinder.
In a 4 valve engine, there are in all 4 ports on the cylinder head – two for intake and two for exhaust. Generally, the two intake ports share one injector. On the dual jet system, each port will be having its own injector which means a precise amount of fuel can be added with better atomisation and improved fuel efficiency.
Power output on the 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, dual jet engine will be around 90 PS and 120 Nm of torque and the K12C engine will be BSVI compliant. In comparison, the current K12B produces 83 HP of power and 115 Nm of torque. Maruti Suzuki currently sells the Baleno with the 1.0-litre petrol, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines.
The more powerful and efficient K12C will succeed its predecessor, the less powerful K12B and is expected to be introduced in other Maruti Suzuki models in the near future. The new Maruti Suzuki Baleno with 1.2 dual jet engine and SHVS is expected to be launched soon in the Indian market.