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The Suzuki Ertiga gets a hybrid powertrain in India

The Ertiga gets a refresh and Smart Hybrid Technology for its 1.5-liter engine.

Earl Lee on May 05, 2022

Maruti Suzuki is modernizing its MPV not with a new infotainment system, but with a new mild-hybrid powertrain that seeks to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. The reveal comes off the back of the XL6 hybrid’s unveiling, and the XL7 doesn’t look to be out of the question when it comes to a mild-hybrid update.

The new Ertiga was launched in India, and the brand gave it comes choice exterior and interior updates that also brings more standard features across the entire range. We see a new grille along with what appears to be projector headlights and a new wheel design for 2022 that’s two-tone.

Stepping inside, the new model also got an interior rework with new wood trim, a beige interior with new cloth upholstery. The infotainment looks like it’s been updated as well, but you will still see some items like the steering wheel and gear selector carried over from the current version we have in the Philippines.

2022 Suzuki Ertiga Mild Hybrid Rear Quarter

Speaking of carryovers, the MPV still gets a 1.5-liter inline-four gasoline motor but with a twist. Suzuki is equipping its Ertiga with the K15C DualJet motor with Smart Hybrid Technology. The mild-hybrid powertrain makes 102 hp and 137 Nm of torque, very similar to the figures we can find in the gasoline variations of the current Ertiga.

2022 Suzuki Ertiga Mild Hybrid Gear Selector

On top of that, the model will get a new six-speed automatic transmission that comes with fuel-saving features that work in tandem with the hybrid system. The Ertiga will benefit from brake energy regeneration that can recharge the batteries of the hybrid system, and it will also come with start/stop idling, which means that the engine shuts off when the vehicle is stationary or when the hybrid system can take over the work.

The Ertiga is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles out in the market today, but the addition of a mild-hybrid option could see it further its rank among the best fuel sippers today. Given more gear, it seems that the new model could crush the old one’s records by a sizeable margin.

Given that the Philippines receives units from India, it’s not impossible for the mild-hybrid Ertiga to make its way into our country. The question of price arises, and it’s not impossible that we will see a sizeable price increase for the model if it doesn end up launching here.