It doesn’t look that different from the current Vitara, but underneath, Suzuki has just given its engine a unique twist: by adding full hybrid technology.
Also produced at Suzuki’s Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary (where the Philippine Vitara is also assembled), the hybrid system pairs the 1.5-liter K15C engine with a 140-volt lithium-ion battery and inverter as well as a Motor Generator Unit (MGU) with a 12-volt lithium-ion battery. As a full hybrid, it can run on its electric motor alone for short distances. However, when pushed, it makes 116 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Suzuki’s made a unique decision regarding the Vitara Hybrid’s transmission. Instead of using a 6-speed automatic or CVT, the carmaker decided to use their Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology. According to the carmaker the decision is to lower component weight versus a torque converter automatic (overall weight is just 1,268 kilograms).
Another notable feature is that with the AGS, the MGU is located on the output side of the transmission assembly. In doing this, output from the MGU is directly transmitted to the driveshafts to fill the torque gap during shifting and provides a smoother transition from the transmission. All in all, fuel economy is pegged at 53 km/L.
The Vitara Hybrid comes with a 7-inch touch panel display system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as lane departure warning with lane departure prevention, blind spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking (Dual Sensor Brake Support in Suzuki terminology).
Does this mean that Suzuki is slowly converting their vehicles to the AGS transmission, or only for select vehicles?
ReplyDeleteIt make Sense for the Philippines market if it's cheaper than the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. But if not it's not ideal for SUZUKI to bring it here as evidenced of the 4x4 version unfriendly 1.4M price tag languising in the sales chart.
ReplyDeleteSuzuki should have also sold a Vitara version without All Wheel Drive and kept the price below P1 million. At P1.4 million they are just priced out of the market.
ReplyDeleteI agree John 👍
DeletePlease bring the turbo vitara runned by a diesel
ReplyDeletePHEV level consumption on a standard HEV? This is great!
ReplyDelete