FIRST revealed at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) is now a reality as Suzuki Philippines (SPH) unveiled the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, the first of a line-up of cars using this smart hybrid powertrain.
“The introduction of the new Ertiga Hybrid marks a great beginning for SPH as we introduce our first hybrid entry in the market,” Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for Automobile of Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) said at the launch event in Makati yesterday.
SVHS is a dual power train set-up hybrid that runs an internal combustion engine, which is the Suzuki’s standard K15B coupled to what they call as an Integrated Starter Motor (ISG) which is essentially an uprated alternator. The ISG functions as an electric motor when power is fed into it. SVHS is a parallel hybrid system–it charges the battery with electricity generated by deceleration energy, stops unnecessary power generation during cruising and reduces engine load during fuel-consuming standing starts and acceleration by providing motor assist. The result is that it saves fuel while delivering spirited response. ISG also restarts the engine quietly after engine auto stops.
Installed in the Ertiga MPV, Suzuki has created the most affordable, and possibly the simplest to use hybrid vehicle, taking advantage of its current engine and vehicle technologies and updating it with uncomplex electrification technologies.
Safety is one of the reasons for the Ertiga’s popularity. Its’ body structure is called TECT (Total-Effective Control Technology) and new HEARTECT platform, which makes the body light and rigid and effectively absorbs impact upon collision and improves overall driving dynamics. This rigidity contributes to a smooth ride and create the space to comfortably seat seven people. The platform also allows the space crucial to place the compact lithium ion battery that powers the car when the system calls for activating the motor.
To operate the hybrid system, Suzuki’s Engine Auto Stop Start System (EASS) is crucial. It manages the 1.5-liter KB15 gasoline engine which when measured with the ISG’s 6-Ah 12-volt lithium-ion battery. The whole system then outputs 105 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and torque is at 138 Nm of torque. EASS also prevents unnecessary fuel consumption, limit emission of exhaust and engine noise for a quiet ride while saving money.
Inside the new Ertiga, the dashboard retains the 4’2” full color TFT LCD multi-information display, cruise control, automatic headlamp with follow me home headlamp function. This hybrid is packed with passive and active safety features. Aside from the usual dual air-bag, and ABS with EBD, hill-hold-control and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). It is differentiated by the “Hybrid” emblem on the tailgate.
The Ertiga’s pricing for the entry level GA M/T is only P954K, the GL M/T P1.068M, GL A/T P1.103M and the top of the line GLX A/T P1.153K. Ertiga Hybrid owners will be exempted from number coding, get a 15 percent on vehicle registration, priority lane on vehicle and franchise registration.
The new Suzuki Ertiga comes with variety of choices in colors in GA and GL/GLX features. Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, and Cool Black Pearl for GA variant. While additional colors of Metallic Magma Gray, Burgundy Red Pearl and Brave Khaki Pearl are available for the GL/GLX variants
