Full-Hybrid Maruti Baleno hatchback has been spotted testing ahead of its launch in the Indian market. It is reportedly running the range and compatibility trials with a variety of battery options. The stickers on the car signals that the production-spec model of the upcoming hatchback could be equipped with a powertrain that Maruti Suzuki is said to be developing in collaboration with Bosch.
There is a sticker on the front door with “sHEV 48V” written on it, which according to Bosch is a 48 Volt “strong hybrid” powertrain. The ‘e-drive’ sticker near the rear wheel arch suggests that it might have a full electric mode with a limited range. A proper hybrid system will just double the Baleno’s fuel efficiency.
Currently, the 2019 Baleno comes featured with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that is good enough to produce 83HP of maximum power at 6000 rpm and 113 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm.
The second engine option for the current-gen Baleno is a 1.3-litre diesel that generates 75HP of maximum power and 190 Nm of peak torque. There is also a third option with a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a mild hybrid system. It generates a max power of 90HP and a peak torque of 113 Nm.
The Maruti Baleno got facelifted in January 2019 getting significant exterior and interior changes. It got new alloy wheels, different front grille, redesigned bumper, and an updated fog lamp section. The changes within the interiors include black/blue combination on the seats and doors. It recently also got a new smart play studio system.
For convenience, the car now comes with rear parking sensors, speed alert system and seatbelt reminder as standard on all the variants. The safety features for the car include dual airbags and ABS as standard. The Baleno starts at INR 5.58 lakh for its base model and goes up to INR 8.90 lakh for the top-spec model with an automatic gearbox.
