Since its launch in October of 2015, it has been a success in the premium hatchback segment. The Baleno produced by the Indo-Japanese car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki recently in 2019 got an update. As the emission standards get stringent by the day, the brand may come out with a Smart-Hybrid version of this popular mass market hatchback soon.
Maruti Suzuki currently has the Smart-Hybrid (SHVS) on the Ciaz, Ertiga and S-Cross models. Interestingly, Maruti Suzuki has been providing the Smart-Hybrid Baleno to the international market with a K10C, three-cylinder, 1.0-litre, turbocharged, Boosterjet petrol engine producing 110 HP of power and 170 Nm of torque and the K12C, 1.2-litre, petrol Dualjet is a naturally aspirated engine, both with SHVS. However, we think Maruti Suzuki in India could introduce the Baleno with the 1.5-litre, K15B engine with SHVS, same as we have seen in the Ciaz.
So how does this Smart-Hybrid technology work? The vehicles with SHVS are equipped with two batteries, including a high capacity lithium-ion battery. The energy stored in the lithium-ion battery is used to power the engine from standstill and the initial boost helps in reducing fuel consumption and to provide optimal acceleration. It also provides the energy required by the starter motor when it is using the Start/Stop function during engine idle. This battery is recharged by using its on-board regenerative braking system.
Apart from the Smart-Hybrid badge it appears that there are no other visual changes as seen in the spy shots. Which SHVS technology do you think Maruti Suzuki intends to bring in, if at all it comes for domestic sale, the old single battery or the new dual battery setup?
