Just two months after its Indian market debut, the new Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid has made its regional debut in ASEAN. Launched for the Indonesian market, the Ertiga Hybrid is the first LMPV (Low MPV) made available with hybrid drive.
Two variants of the Ertiga Hybrid are available in Indonesia—the GX and the Suzuki Sport (SS). Both are powered by Suzuki’s new Smart Hybrid engine. The mild hybrid system mates the K15B engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a 6-Ah 12-volt lithium-ion battery. This helps bump up the outputs of the 7-seater MPV from 100 horsepower to 104.7 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm), while torque is up to 138 Nm at 4,400 from 130 Nm. An idle start/stop is also standard.
Oddly enough, the Indonesian Ertiga Hybrid doesn’t benefit from a new 6-speed gearbox. Instead, it makes do with a carryover 4-speed automatic. For those who prefer to do their own shifting, it’s also available with a 5-speed manual as well.
While the ASEAN Ertiga Hybrid does lose out on the new gearbox, it does benefit from raft of cosmetic changes seen in the Indian model. Outside, it gets a new grille, automatic folding side view mirrors, a new backdoor garnish with a chrome insert, and a new design for its 15-inch alloy wheels. It also debuts a new color: Mellow Deep Red.
Inside, it opts for a monotone black color scheme, with either piano black (GX) or carbon fiber (SS) accents. Across the line, it also gets a new meter cluster with a full-color multi-information display, but only the top-of-the-line SS nets a leather steering wheel and red stitching on the fabric seats.
In terms of safety, the ASEAN-spec Ertiga Hybrid loses two airbags (the Indian market has a total of four), but retains ABS with EBD as well as stability control with hill hold assist. It also gets the convenience of cruise control as well.
Now, given that hybrid technology would probably be new for intended buyers, Suzuki Indonesia has done the right step and has given the Ertiga Hybrid a worry-free 5-year / 100,000-kilometer warranty that covers even the lithium-ion battery.
As for the price, the Ertiga Hybrid starts at IDR 270,300,000 (P 981,331) and tops out at IDR 292,300 (P 1.061 million). By comparison, the non-hybrid Ertiga with similar specs go for IDR 244,500,000 (P 887,665) and tops out at IDR 255,100,000 (P 926,148). Given the price difference between hybrid and non-hybrid models, it could mean a Philippine price of about P 1.1 million.
During its launch, Suzuki Indonesia has confirmed that it will manufacture the Ertiga Hybrid to global markets which will likely include the Philippines. Expect a local launch at the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in September.
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