In March 2018, it was reported that Maruti Suzuki
has shelved its plans of launching its first full-hybrid powertrain in the
S-Cross. Now, however, as per credible Team-BHP forum member volkman10, the
Maruti S-Cross hybrid is very well under development and could launch as soon
as in 2020.
At the moment, the Maruti S-Cross is available with
only the VGT-equipped D13A 1.3-litre diesel engine that outputs 90 PS and 200
Nm. In September 2018, speculations arose that the S-Cross would get the K15B
1.5-litre petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid tech from the Ciaz facelift.
According to volkman10, a petrol engine option, too, is indeed planned.
Maruti Suzuki is said to be working closely with
Bosch to localise a high percentage of full-hybrid powertrain components.
Moreover, the company is expected to make full use of its parent company's
partnership with Toyota for the development of a full-hybrid system that suits
the Indian conditions.
With the cost of diesel-powered cars slated to
skyrocket with the attainment of BSVI-compliance, Maruti Suzuki seems to have
placed its bets on full-fledged petrol-electric hybrid powertrains to help its
models offer a low running cost. The company claims that a typical full-hybrid
vehicle can have up to 30% higher fuel efficiency than a conventional petrol
model. In comparison, its diesel-powered models are generally up to 25% more
economical than their petrol-sipping counterparts.