Maruti Baleno’s Mild Hybrid Option To Feature New K12C Petrol Engine

There are numerous leaks and spy shots on the internet that provide enough proof that India’s largest maker Maruti Suzuki is developing a mild hybrid version of their Baleno. Now there has been a new report claiming that the upcoming mild-hybrid version of Maruti Baleno premium hatchback will come with a 1.2L DualJet petrol engine in the said version of the car. What is different about the aforementioned petrol engine is that it has two fuel injectors per cylinder instead of one and offers better output due to the efficient combustion of fuel in the engine.

The presence of one extra injector per cylinder not only leads to better outputs, it also means proper utilization of fuel that leads to better mileage from the engine and reduced emissions, something that the brand will like to focus on given the upcoming emission norms in the country. As already mentioned, the outputs on the newer K12C 1.2L DualJet mild hybrid petrol engine will also be better than the current engine and the upcoming engine is expected to be rated for 90 Bhp and 120Nm. Contrast this to the current 82 Bhp and 113 nm of the current Baleno premium hatchback and the difference in the power is very evident and marked.

The significant bump of 8 Bhp and 7 Nm can also be good news for other cars in the line-up of India’s largest carmaker. The current K12B petrol unit of Baleno is also found on other lower models of the brand. Now seeing that all these models will have to comply with the upcoming BS-VI emission norms of India, the newer K12C engine could also make an appearance on the models that currently use the K12B engine. This will not only lead to lower emissions on other models, it will also mean a mileage and performance bump.

Maruti Baleno currently locks horns with Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz in the premium hatchback segment in the Indian market. The prices for Baleno at Rs. 5.55 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi, and with such a low entry level price and the spacious interiors on offer on the Baleno, it is no wonder it remains a constant bestseller in the segment. Currently, Maruti offers 3 engines on Baleno the 1.2L petrol engine rated for 82 Bhp and 113 Nm, a 1L 3-cylinder turbo BoosterJet petrol unit rated for 101 Bhp and 150 Nm (on the sportier RS variant), and lastly a 1.3L Fiat Multijet turbo diesel units rated for 74 Bhp and 190 Nm. Talking about the engines on offer on Baleno, the diesel engine will either be replaced or discontinued by the brand in the near future due to the stricter emission norms that will come into force from next year.