Suzuki Auto Philippines launches the country’s first hybrid MPV in the form of the 2023 Ertiga Hybrid.
The bestselling 7-seater compact MPV receives the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki or SHVS system. This pairs the Ertiga’s tried-and-tested K15B 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) to deliver improved fuel efficiency and driving performance. The system is ingenious in that it’s lightweight and ultra-compact. Moreover, it delivers the very same driving experience customers have loved, with just some minor changes. Rated power figures are 103hp at 6,000 rpm and 138Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
The ISG replaces the conventional alternator in the SHVS. During take off or hard acceleration, it provides an electric assist to the engine improving its overall responsiveness. The ISG also captures energy during deceleration to charge the 12-volt lithium-ion battery located under the driver’s seat. This allows the Ertiga to shut its engine off during traffic stops, relying on the stored energy in the high-voltage battery. During restarts, the ISG quietly and smoothly restarts the engine.
For the Philippine market, the Ertiga Hybrid comes in both 5-speed manual (GA, GL), and 4-speed automatic (GL, GLX) flavors. Cruise control come standard on the GLX.
According to Suzuki’s estimates, the Ertiga Hybrid can achieve class-leading fuel efficiency figures. Their internal tests have revealed figures of 12.54 km/L (verified by the Automobile Association of the Philippines), fully loaded and in purely city driving.
Its electrified powertrain aside, the Ertiga Hybrid improves on the elegant MPV’s design by gaining a new modern-looking grille, new tailgate garnish, and a new “Hybrid” rear emblem. The top-of-the-line GLX further adds power side view mirrors with turn signal indicators, 3D design LED taillights with vertical lightguides, and polished 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/65R15 tires.
Thanks to the SHVS’s clever packaging, there are no compromises to the Ertiga Hybrid’s interior and space. Not only does it retain its full-sized spare tire, but its two-tier rear luggage compartment offers 199 liters of cargo space with the third-row seats up. With the third- and second-row seats folded down, it creates a continuously flat hold. The seatbacks are also reclinable, and the second-row seats slide in a 60/40 split for comfort and flexibility.
The upscale dashboard features a D-shaped steering wheel with audio controls and a new instrument cluster. The GLX further adds a 4.2-inch colored multi-information display and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Convenience features found on the GLX include a keyless push start system, automatic climate control, and ventilated front cup holders.
With safety a priority among Filipino families, the Ertiga Hybrid not only sports dual SRS airbags and ABS with EBD, but it also gets Electronic Stability Program or ESP too. If wheel slip is detected, ESP automatically regulates engine output and selectively applies the brakes to help the driver regain control. The GL and GLX variants also get rear parking sensors, while the GLX goes a step further with a rear parking camera.
The Ertiga Hybrid comes in three variants; GA, GL, GLX. It comes in six colors, the availability of which depends on the variant: Snow White Pearl (GA, GL, GLX); Silky Silver Metallic (GA, GL, GLX); Cool Black Pearl (GA); Metallic Magma Gray (GL, GLX); Burgundy Red Pearl (GL, GLX); and Brave Khaki Pearl (GL, GLX).
The Ertiga Hybrid is now available at all Suzuki dealerships nationwide at the following prices: Ertiga Hybrid 1.5 GA MT – P 954,000; Ertiga Hybrid 1.5 GL MT – P 1,068,000; Ertiga Hybrid 1.5 GL AT – P 1,103,000; Ertiga Hybrid 1.5 GLX AT – P 1,153,000.
And per Suzuki Philippines, the Ertiga Hybrid qualifies for benefits under the EVIDA. This means up to 15 percent lower registration costs, priority registration upon renewal, and exemption from the number coding scheme.