It’s no secret that India’s largest carmaker has been aggressive when it comes new products launch in India. The Ignis hatchback, Baleno RS, new gen Swift and 2017 Swift Dzire are due to market launch in the coming months. Now in verge to grab half of market share in India and the carmaker is working on the mild hybrid version of Baleno. The test mule was caught on camera at Maruti’s Manesar plant with SHVS badge.
The Manesar plant sees the manufacturing for both domestic and international markets and currently is at full capacity of around 10,000-12,000 units a month. Maruti Baleno commands a healthy waiting period of up to 6 months depending upon the variant and city. To meet staggering demand and to reduce higher waiting period, Maruti is planning to produce Baleno at its new plant in Gujarat from early next year.
In international markets, the SHVS technology utilizes 1.2l VVT petrol engine though in India it is available with DDis diesel on Ciaz and Ertiga. It is a cost effective technology that partially enhances car’s fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent; currently Baleno claims an ARAI rated fuel efficiency of 27.39 Kmpl.
Just to remind, SHVS stands for Smart Hybrid vehicle by Suzuki which incorporates ISG (Integrated starter generator) which provides power assistance using a motor along with energy regeneration. The technology also combines an auto start stop system and brake energy recovery system.
The SHVS system combines an integrated starter generator, brake energy recovery system and an auto start-stop system. What made hybrids even more tempting is government of India’s FAME initiative which helps brand to cut down cost of the car by 10,000 to 15,000. Mild hybrid versions of Ciaz and Ertiga enjoys subsidy of Rs. 13,000
Speaking of changes, the mild hybrid variant will get different alloy wheels, SHVS badge at rear and all four disc brakes. Baleno has just crossed 1 lakh sales milestone and registered 10,263 units in September 2016 alone.
