TL; DR
- Suzuki has released a Dzire Hybrid (LHD) overseas, with claims to offer better torque and improved fuel efficiency.
- Released with a SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) 12V hybrid system, the vehicle packs a 0072 kWh battery pack with a 2.19 kW (2.94 bhp) electric motor.
- Though the company claims that the hybrid system improves fuel efficiency, it isn’t advertising any economy numbers yet.
- Regarding price, the Dzire Hybrid costs PHP 920,000, which is about Rs. 14 lakhs rupees (around Rs. 2.5 lakh more than the Dzire ZXI Plus AMT variant).
As the Indian government increases the rules and regulations regarding ICE vehicles, the future of petrol and diesel vehicles (passenger and commercial) is becoming uncertain. While there still isn’t enough infrastructure to entirely rely on electric vehicles, customers have started to look at hybrid cars as a plausible long-term solution.
In such a situation, how would it work out for the largest automaker in the country — Maruti Suzuki — to release a hybrid version of Dzire, the best-selling sedan? It sounds plausible, right? Well, it looks like we’re halfway there; the automaker has released a Dzire Hybrid (LHD) overseas, with claims to offer better torque and improved fuel efficiency.
Also Read: BMW XM First Drive experince: 643 HP, 61.9 KM/L? This SUV Defies Logic
Maruti Suzuki Hybrid Goes Official In Philippines
Released with a SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) 12V hybrid system, the vehicle packs a 0.072 kWh battery pack with a 2.19 kW (2.94 bhp) electric motor. The system is paired with the same Z12E 1.2-liter (three-cylinder) naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 81.58 ps of peak power and 111.7 Nm of peak torque.
With regards to transmission, the Dzire is mated to a CVT transmission “for effortless and smoother drive.” For those catching up, CVT doesn’t have physical gears but uses a belt and pulley system to mimic the gear ratios. CVTs are generally more fuel-efficient than regular ATs (with TQ units) or DCTs, i.e., they aren’t as performance-oriented.
Also Read: Tata Announces Biggest Sale Of 2025: Check April 2025 Discounts On Punch, Nexon, and Curvv Here
Dzire’s Hybrid System Isn’t The Strongest, But It Improves Fuel Efficiency
“The hybrid system converts kinetic energy from deceleration to charge a lithium-ion battery that powers the electric motor. Together with the Engine-Auto-Stop-Start (EASS), it improves fuel efficiency,” and reduces emission, mentions the official marketing material used for the Dzire in the Philippines.
Though the company claims that the hybrid system improves fuel efficiency, it isn’t advertising any economy numbers yet. In India, the Dzire AMT (petrol) claims to offer a mileage of 25.71 km/l. However, with a hybrid system and a CVT transmission, the car should be able to go more on a liter of petrol.
Also Read: NHAI Increases Toll Charges By Up To 5% Across National Highways And Expressways
How Much Does The Dzire Hybrid Cost?
Regarding price, the Dzire Hybrid costs PHP 920,000, which is about Rs. 14 lakhs Indian rupees (around Rs. 2.5 lakh more than the Dzire ZXI Plus AMT variant).
If the company launches the vehicle in India, it will compete directly with the Honda City Hybrid, which costs around Rs. 20.75 lakhs (ex-showroom). Even if the Indian Dzire Hybrid is 10 to 20% more expensive than the global version, it could still undercut the Honda City’s price.
Most recently, Maruti tested the Swift Hybrid on Indian roads, but the company hasn’t announced any plans to release the vehicle in India. But given the government’s push toward electrification and how brands are targeting milestone sales from hybrid or electric vehicles shortly, it looks like Maruti could launch the hybrid version of the Dzire soon.
Writer’s note: a hybrid version of the Dzire makes more sense (and it is more likely to happen) as the brand has already placed it as one of its premium offerings (with a heavier price tag compared to the Swift).
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
