Strong Hybrid Popular Choice Among Buyers Of Maruti Grand Vitara And Toyota Hyryder

While bookings are underway for the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, early figures show that a sizeable chunk of the bookings are for the strong hybrid variants of both SUVs.  

According to Maruti, around 48 per cent of the Grand Vitara’s pre-launch bookings are for the strong hybrid. This means that almost one in two bookings that Maruti receives for the SUV is for its strong hybrid variant. 

Sources within Toyota have disclosed that the strong hybrid variant accounts for the majority of bookings for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder – around 70 per cent! In fact, the 1.5-litre strong hybrid powertrain found in both SUVs was developed by Toyota. 

The Maruti and Toyota SUVs are offered with two powertrain options, a 1.5-litre Suzuki-developed Dualjet petrol engine paired with a mild hybrid system; and the aforementioned 1.5-litre strong hybrid from Toyota. 

Of the two engines, the strong hybrid is claimed to deliver the best fuel economy – up to 27.97kmpl! With a claimed economy of over 20kmpl, the mild hybrid isn’t far behind. 

Despite being the more expensive option, the strong hybrid powertrain’s lower running costs could be the reason behind its popularity. It makes a bit more power than the mild hybrid, too – 116PS compared with the former’s 103PS. It’s automatic-only, with an e-CVT driving the front wheels. 

Also read: 

• Toyota Hyryder To Have More Affordable Strong Hybrid Variant Than The Maruti Grand Vitara

• 2022 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Differences In Detailed Images

The strong hybrid’s positive trend shows that Indian car buyers are willing to pay an acceptable premium for more sophisticated electrified powertrains. Strong hybrids offer lower emissions than mild hybrid and ICE powertrains. Besides, they offer an all-electric driving mode and impressive fuel economy for a lower price than plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.