Suzuki Indonesia plans to make mild-hybrid versions of the Ertiga and XL7

It looks like Suzuki has big plans for the electrification of its vehicles as the Japanese automaker has announced plans to bring out electrified versions of two of its popular models. The vehicles in question are mild-hybrid versions of the Suzuki Ertiga and Suzuki XL7. These variants are expected to debut sometime in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The mild-hybrid Ertiga and XL7 are part of Suzuki Indonesia’s tie-up with the country’s local government as it pushes for the electrification of vehicles. Both of these mild-hybrid models will reportedly be made at the automaker’s Cikarang plant in Indonesia.

While specifications for the new variants are still unknown, this isn’t the first time that Suzuki has electrified an Ertiga. The automaker already has past experience with it in the form of a mild-hybrid diesel version of the popular MPV back in 2017. The diesel mild-hybrid Ertiga was powered by a 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine that was paired with an integrated starter generator. This gave the MPV the ability to have regenerative braking, automatic engine start/ stop, and faster acceleration while under load. 

With Suzuki already encountering success with the diesel mild-hybrid version of the Ertiga, the automaker could easily repeat its success with the XL7. Instead of a diesel motor, we could soon see a gasoline hybrid variant hit the streets with likely the same 1.5-liter gasoline motor under the hood. This will further enhance the already stellar performance and fuel efficiency of both models. 

Suzuki isn’t alone, however, when it comes to selling hybrid models in the ASEAN region. Other big brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi have already taken steps forward and already have plans to sell hybrid models in the region. That being said, it still may take some time for these new models to enter the Philippine market. We expect that they could arrive in the local market at least a year or two after their initial launch in Indonesia.