Hybrid Maruti Swift or Dzire to launch this year - Report

19/06/2015 - 11:01 Maruti Swift, Maruti Suzuki Anjan Ravi

Swift Range Extender claims 48.2 km/l.

A report on the Hindustan Times states that India's leading car manufacturer (by sales) will launch a hybrid variant this year.

Maruti Swift Range Extender front three quarters at the International Green Mobility Expo — Power for the Swift Range Extender comes from a 658 cc three-cylinder petrol engine.

Car manufacturers such as Maruti, Tata and Mahindra are reported to introduce a hybrid or electric model in the country this year to support the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles in India) initiative announced by the government of India this year, which promises incentives for hybrid or electric vehicles.

A senior government official told the publication that the above-mentioned car makers have "assured" a product launch in this segment, this year itself. From the Maruti stable, the Swift Range Extender or a similar model on the Swift Dzire is expected.

The Swift Range Extender was showcased in India first at the Auto Expo 2014, and then at the International Green Mobility Expo in February this year. It derives power from a 658 cc three-cylinder petrol engine and a permanent magnet type synchronous motor. Developing 73 hp, the Swift Range Extender is claimed to return 48.2 km/l with a pure electric range of 25.5 km.

Maruti Swift Range Extender side left live — The hatchback can be operated under pure electricity for 25.5 km.

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Several components of the Swift Range Extender including its engine will have to be imported from Suzuki's Japanese facility, resulting in a steep price. However, with the government having promised incentives of INR 13,000 to INR 124,000 for sub-4-metre four-wheelers under the FAME policy, it would be interesting to see the price-point at which Maruti launches its first hybrid offering.