With fuel prices rising, more motorists are considering switching to an electric vehicle (EV), but while electric vehicles are gaining attention, the market isn't quite ready for them yet. For those looking to get a feel for electric mobility without committing to a full electric vehicle, hybrids make a lot of sense, combining the efficiency of an electric motor with the reliability of a powertrain that's still mostly reassuring. Here are four of the most affordable hybrid cars currently available in the Indian market:
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is one of the most popular hybrid cars in the Indian market due to its high fuel efficiency rates of more than 28 kilometers per second. The SUV was launched last year and comes with features such as a 9.0-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree cameras, six airbags, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging, among others. The car is powered by a 1490 cc petrol hybrid powertrain with lithium-ion battery that produces 113 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 141 Nm at 4,400 - 4,800 rpm and is mated to an electronic CVT transmission. The powerful hybrid version of the Hyryder is available in 3 variants - S, G and V. The hybrid variants of the SUV are available starting at Rs 16.21 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi) and top out at Rs 19 lakh. lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Maruti Grand Vitara
Being the product of Maruti Suzuki's collaboration with Toyota, the Grand Vitara shares its mechanicals with the Hyryder. Although its design is similar to Hyryder, it has a certain personality of its own and can be distinguished from its brother. The SUV's interior comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SUV's interior is also equipped with a head-up display (HUD), 360-degree cameras, an all-digital head-up display, and wireless charging and driving modes, among other features. The Grand Vitara is powered by a 1.5-liter hybrid engine that develops 114 HP at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 122 Nm at 4,400 - 4,800 rpm. ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures are around 28 kilometers per second. The SUV is priced at Rs. 17.99 lakhs to Rs. 19.65 lakhs (ex-showroom), depending on the variant.
Honda City e: HEV
Even after all these years, the city remains a pillar of strength for Honda in the Indian market. The current iteration of the car is also offered with a powerful hybrid powertrain and is one of the most affordable hybrid cars available for sale in India. The car has an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, and more. It is also equipped with ADAS features including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation, among others. The Honda City E:HEV features a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a lithium-ion battery and permanent magnet motor. The powertrain generates 124hp and 253Nm of peak torque and delivers combined fuel efficiency figures of 27kph. The City e: HEV priced at Rs. 18.89 lakhs to Rs. 20.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Toyota Innova Hycross
The Innova Hycross is the latest addition to one of Toyota's most popular and best-selling model lines in the Indian market - Innova. The MPV is based on Toyota's TNGA-C: GA-C monocoque platform and is 200 kg lighter than the Innova Crysta. The MPV comes with a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 9-speaker JBL audio system, an eight-way power driver's seat with memory function and multi-zone automatic climate control, among other features. The Innova Hycross is powered by a powerful hybrid powertrain (with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine) which has a maximum combined output of 171 HP and 204 Nm of torque. The fuel efficiency of the hybrid minivan is estimated at around 23 km/l. The hybrid variants of the MPV are priced at Rs. 24.76 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs. 29.72 lakh (ex-showroom).
