Maruti Suzuki Ignis may get SHVS mild-hybrid tech in India; launch in early 2017

Maruti Suzuki Ignis is expected to make its entry into the Indian market in early 2017. Although the Ignis, the compact crossover was expected to be launched in the country in the festive season this year, the production constraints of the current model like the Vitara Brezza and the Baleno is said to have forced the company to push back the launch to 2017.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis was first showcased in India at the Auto Expo 2016 and the model has been going through rigorous testing since then. While earlier reports have said that the Ignis would get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit under the hood, a report of MotorOctane suggests that the crossover could also get SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology in India.

If Maruti launches the Ignis with mild hybrid system, the crossover would benefit from the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of hybrid and Electric vehicles) scheme launched by the government of India, which is offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles up to Rs 29,000.

Although Maruti has not talked so far about launching the Ignis in hybrid avatar, recent reports have said that the company is working on low-cost hybrid technology to power its future models. Maruti is also said to be considering a 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine for Ignis and it could also be made available with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) box.

The Ignis is expected to feature high-end Harman Kardon audio system and safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags and hill descent control. When launched in India, the Ignis will be sold through Maruti Suzuki's premium showrooms – the Nexa. The Ignis will be pitted against Mahindra KUV100 and is expected to get a price tag starting at Rs 5.5 lakh.