In the Indian automobile market, there is a tremendous increase in the demand for hybrid vehicles amidst the continuously increasing prices of petrol and diesel and the concern about charging infrastructure during long distance travel. After the success of strong hybrid cars like Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Highrider, now two brand new and powerful hybrid SUVs are ready to hit the Indian roads in the auto sector by the upcoming festive season (Diwali). The biggest feature of both these vehicles will be their driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers and their powerful performance, which has the ability to cover long distances without stopping on a single tank and full charge. 1. JSW Jetour T2: Plug-in hybrid technology and 1000+ km range The first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV in partnership with JSW Motors and Chery Automobile is going to be introduced in the Indian market as Jetour T2. This vehicle has been designed keeping in mind those customers who want excellent fuel efficiency along with off-roading looks. Powertrain and Engine: It can be given a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and a 26.7kWh lithium-ion battery. This setup is capable of generating maximum power of 381 bhp and peak torque of 610 Nm. Gearbox: It has a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) for smooth driving and performance. Range specialty: Being a plug-in hybrid, it can run about 130 kilometers only on electric mode (EV-only mode). At the same time, on the combined hybrid mode of petrol engine and battery, its total driving range reaches beyond 1,000 to 1,200 kilometers. Premium Features: The cabin of this rough-and-tough SUV will include high-tech safety features like 15.6-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, premium Sony sound system, panoramic sunroof, 540-degree surround view camera, ventilated seats and level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). 2. New Renault Duster Hybrid: Strong comeback and strong mileage The famous Duster, which has ruled the hearts of Indian customers, is going to make a comeback once again in a new avatar. Renault India is preparing to launch the strong hybrid version of its much awaited new generation Renault Duster in the market in the upcoming festive season. Engine and Hybrid Technology: The new Duster will be powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack. This hybrid powertrain will produce approximately 160 bhp power and 172 Nm torque. Transmission: It is expected to get a multi-mode automatic clutchless dog-box transmission, which automatically shifts power between the engine and battery in city traffic and on the highway. Range and Mileage: According to the company, this strong hybrid system can operate on electric power only about 80 percent of the time in urban traffic. With the combination of 50 liter fuel tank and high hybrid mileage (about 22 to 25 km per liter), this SUV will easily be able to travel close to 1,000 kilometers on a full tank. Modern Interior: The new Duster is built on the modern CMF-B platform, which will see many advanced safety features including 10.1-inch touchscreen system, 7-inch digital driver display, wireless connectivity, automatic climate control and ESP. Why are hybrid SUVs becoming the first choice of Indian buyers? Amid the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) on Indian roads, hybrid technology is proving to be a great and practical option. While pure electric vehicles involve the stress of finding a charging station on the highway and long charging times, hybrid cars do not need to rely on an external charger. The regenerative braking system and the petrol engine itself keep charging the battery. Having a range of over 1000 km means that if you are going from Delhi to Lucknow or Mumbai to Goa, you can complete your journey on a single tank without stopping at any petrol pump or charging station on the way. With the entry of these two SUVs in the festive season, the competition in the mid-size and premium SUV segments is going to be very interesting.
