Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular among Indian buyers owing to their reduced upkeep expenses, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. As evidenced by sales, these cars have been selling more than their battery-powered counterparts from the last few months, and are significantly transforming the Indian auto industry. The absence of range anxiety and issues with finding and using charging stations are some factors that add to the reach of these vehicles in our market. Some of the most popular cars in this category in India are the Honda City eHEV, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the Toyota Innova Hycross. With the onset of the new year, this category of cars is projected to grow with plenty of options from various automakers. We have compiled a list of the top three upcoming hybrid cars in India. Let's delve into the details of these expected models in our market.
New Renault Duster
The new-generation Duster, which was discontinued in 2022, is anticipated to make a comeback in India by 2025. The third-generation Duster was globally revealed last month by Dacia. With a stylish and sturdy external design, the internationally unveiled Dacia (Duster) features multiple exterior and interior upgrades over its predecessor. Globally, the SUV has been introduced sporting several powertrain options, which comprises a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG engine (in some regions), a potent hybrid 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol unit that is linked to dual electric motors powered by a 1.2kWh battery pack, and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol drivetrain married to a 48V mild hybrid setup. Although there hasn't been a formal announcement for India yet, market speculations suggest the country would probably receive the mild hybrid drivetrain.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver's display, wireless phone charging, cruise control, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system are part of the equipment on the new Dacia Duster. All of these features are likely to be included in the Indian-spec version as well. With an expected entry-level cost of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Renault Duster may go on sale in India in 2025. Once it is released, the SUV will go up against the likes of the Honda Elevate, the Volkswagen Taigun, the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, the Citroen C3 Aircross, and the Skoda Kushaq.
Toyota Fortuner Hybrid
At the Indonesia International Auto Show this year, Toyota exhibited a hybrid Fortuner. The fact that this Fortuner is capable of operating on bioethanol, distinguishes it from other hybrid vehicles on the market. Market reports indicate that, although it is in the prototype phase at the moment, production could begin shortly. It comes with a 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that powers the regular model, but with this new setup, it produces 163bhp and 243Nm, which is slightly less than the standard version. Power is exclusively transferred to the rear wheels employing an automatic gearbox that is linked to the system. With this flex fuel variation, the automaker has made major modifications that allow it to run solely on bioethanol. As ethanol is a more powerful fuel than petrol, the modifications necessitate fuel system changes.
As mentioned, the Fortuner Flex Fuel is right now a prototype, and it will require some time for it to evolve into a production version. The Indian division of Toyota had previously shown its flex-fuel vehicles, therefore the Fortuner Flex Fuel may be available here sometime in the future.
Nissan X-Trail
There are speculations that the new Nissan X-Trail might arrive in India sometime next year. A three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor that unite to produce 210bhp and 525Nm will constitute the mechanical foundation of the upcoming X-Trail hybrid. The e-Power technology incorporates a battery into the petrol engine, claims the automaker. In contrast to a lot of traditional hybrid cars, which function on a combination of electric and ICE engines, the e-Power technology employs the battery's output for powering the vehicle, and the ICE motor is just employed for charging the battery.
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The new Nissan X-Trail hybrid is predicted to arrive as a CKD vehicle, costing between Rs. 26 and Rs. 32 lakh (ex-showroom), although there hasn't been any official word on this as of yet.
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