India-Bound Hyundai Verna And Tucson To Feature Mild-Hybrid Tech

Korean carmaker, Hyundai, will incorporate mild-hybrid technologies in its upcoming vehicles including the Tucson and the 2017 Verna. The system could include features such as a start/stop system, brake energy regeneration and torque assist.

Details are slightly murky as we speak, hence there’s no clear picture on whether any other products in Hyundai’s lineup (such as the Creta or the Elantra) will incorporate the same. We aren’t surprised by the move, considering the rising concerns over air quality and pollution levels in major metro cities, especially Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi.

Most manufacturers are actively looking at equipping their offerings with mild-hybrid tech, not only to cut back on emissions, but also to boost fuel efficiency. Notably, Hyundai cars worldwide get a feature the automaker likes to call ‘Intelligent Stop & Go’ (ISG) that functions as a conventional start-stop system. When idling, it automatically stops the engine and instantly restarts it when you press the clutch. The manufacturer claims that this system alone can save fuel up to 15 per cent, which we think is quite a lot! And we all know how much our country loves fuel efficiency!

As of now, it is only the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz that offers similar technology in the segment. Dubbed ‘SHVS’ (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), it includes a start-stop function and brake energy recuperation that makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the country. If the Verna wants to top the sales charts as it once did, it will have to beat the Maruti at its own game, which explains why Hyundai is looking at offering the tech in the first place.