GaadiWaadi –
Maruti Suzuki could introduce a hybrid version of the Fronx sometime next year in India, equipped with a Level 2 ADAS system
Several months ago, a prototype of the Fronx was spotted testing wearing a hybrid badge – arousing the speculations that it could be one of the hybrid models arriving in India in the near future. It is no secret that Maruti Suzuki is currently developing an in-house strong hybrid system for India but its launch timeline remains a mystery.
Now, a couple of spy images of an undisguised Fronx test mule have appeared on the internet clearly indicating the presence of LiDAR sensors. They are typically used for ADAS calibration as the Light Detection and Ranging sensors equip laser pulses to map the surroundings in 3D with high accuracy to detect object and tracking, measure distance and speed, 360° situational awareness, redundancy, safety, etc.
The Fronx compact SUV coupe is already available in Southeast Asian markets with an ADAS suite enabling features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention systems, Vehicle Swaying and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), High Beam Assist (HBA) and more.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Flex Fuel Vehicles Launching By Next Year
Thus, we can expect it to arrive in India as early as next year. Recently, Suzuki commenced local assembly of the Fronx in Indonesia with an annual sales target of around 24,000 units and it could be exported to other ASEAN markets as well. Initially debuted in early 2023 in India, the Fronx is already sold in over 70 countries and territories across the globe.
In Indonesia, the Fronx is retailed with a regular 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine. The gearbox choices are a five-speed MT, a four-speed torque converter automatic and a six-speed AT. The K15C mild-hybrid petrol unit kicks out 101 PS maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 135 Nm of peak torque at 4,400 rpm.
Also Read: 5 New Maruti Suzuki SUVs Arriving Up Next In India & EV, Hybrid & More
The standard naturally-aspirated petrol engine is 4 PS more powerful and 3 Nm torquier. The six-speed AT is available with an all-wheel drive system as well. Recently, Suzuki announced the next generation 48-volt ‘Super Ene-Charge’ (SEC) hybrid system which will play an integral part in achieving carbon neutrality globally in the future.
It will be interesting to see which engine will be utilised to bring up a hybrid system as an existing 1.2L NA petrol or a turbo mill could be considered. Moreover, a 1.5L turbo hybrid petrol mill cannot be ruled out the equation.
The post Maruti Suzuki Fronx Hybrid Spied With LiDAR Sensors, ADAS Coming Too? appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.
