SUZUKI Philippines Inc. (SPH) finally rolled out its take on sustainable mobility in the country—the highly-anticipated New Ertiga Hybrid version. During the last 8th PIMS, SPH previewed the new version highlighting the manufacturer’s proprietary Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology. The latest “mild” hybrid version now comes standard and offers in GA M/T, GL AT, and GLX AT variants—the first and only in the seven-seater compact MPV class.
“The introduction of the New Ertiga Hybrid marks a great beginning for SPH as we introduce our first hybrid entry in the market. With the Ertiga being our flagship and best-selling model, incorporating the hybrid technology and other benefits that it has, this makes the product a well-packed choice for our customers,” said Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for Suzuki Automobile.
Upgrades inside and out
Exterior-wise, this hybrid version received a new front grill design with chrome (GL and GLX) and black (GA) finishes. Of course, there is the “Hybrid” badge at the back. Exclusive to the top-spec GLX is the Follow-me-home headlights function, Electric folding Side Mirrors, Chrome Door Handles, and 15-inch two-tone polished Alloy Wheels.
Inside, the instrument panel’s 4.2-inch full-color LCD TFT Display, Hybrid operation display, and Driving range, to name a few, are standard. Exclusive to the GLX grade are the tilt-adjusted and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth hands-free phone controls, among others. Moreover, highlighted in the dash panel are the GLX’s 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with SmartLink connectivity functions, automatic climate control, and wooden finishes, among others. The dark-themed interior matches the seat’s two-toned material.
Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS)
According to Suzuki, the SHVS is a lightweight and compact hybrid system, also known as a “mild” hybrid. The technique combines an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), a 12-volt lithium-ion battery, and a gasoline engine. Suzuki utilized the same 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine, generating 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 N-m of maximum torque at 4,400 rpm. It is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission (GL and GLX) and a five-speed manual gearbox (GA and GL).
The system’s primary function involves the ISG acting as the conventional alternator’s replacement while functioning as a generator that charges both batteries. More importantly, this mechanism operates as an electric motor that assists start and acceleration. In this case, it is the ISG helping the engine via a rubber belt.
Meanwhile, the 12-volt lithium-ion battery supplies the ISG’s power, providing the motor assist. Further, it delivers power to the vehicle’s electrical components and store electrical energy generated by the ISG. Via the Engine Auto Stop-Start System (EASS) function, electrical components get their juice from the batteries. Then on restart, the ISG functions as a starter, seamlessly and quietly restarting the engine.
Aside from assisting the engine during starting and acceleration, the ISG also uses deceleration energy to generate electricity and efficiently charge the batteries. To test the system, SPH conducted a fuel-efficiency test observed by the Automotive Association of the Philippines (AAP). Test results showed a 12.54 km/L or 7.6 percent more efficient than the regular Ertiga powertrain on city driving.
Incentive-wise, Suzuki’s first hybrid vehicle offering qualifies for EVIDA implementing rules and regulations. Future owners are exempted from number coding, a 15 percent discount on vehicle registration, priority lane on vehicle and franchise registration, and the TESDA training program, among others.
Safety Features
Apart from the long list of convenience features, the New Ertiga Hybrid is built on a light yet highly rigid body derived from Suzuki’s new generation platform – HEARTECT. This new continuous frame design increases underbody stiffness and effectively disperses impact energy to improve safety while reducing noise and vibration. Add to that the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which disseminates collision forces across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the car and passengers. Other standard safety features are the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), SRS airbags, an antilock-braking system with electronic brake distribution, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The Hill-Hold-Control function, meantime, is exclusive to GL and GLX.
Color and pricing
The New Ertiga Hybrid is available in Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, and Cool Black Pearl for the GA variant. At the same time, additional colors of Metallic Magma Gray, Burgundy Red Pearl, and Brave Khaki Pearl are available for the GL/GLX variants. The base GA M/T retails at P954,000 while the GL M/T is at P1.068 million. As for the automatic versions, the GL A/T retails at P1.103 million, while the top-spec GLX A/T is at P1.153 million.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino