Suzuki gearing up to introduce electrified powertrains with Ertiga Hybrid?
There are only a few days left before the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) opens the doors of the World Trade Center for the 8th edition of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). As such, participating manufacturers are now giving a glimpse of what to expect from them in the event.
The latest automaker to do so is Suzuki Philippines (SPH). After officially announcing their plans to introduce hybrid models in the country earlier in the year, it looks like the compact car specialist will do it at PIMS 2022.
Are you wondering which model it is? Well, based on the manufacturer's posts about PIMS on their official Facebook page, the interior and exterior teasers are leaning towards the Ertiga Hybrid.
Back in June, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid made its ASEAN market debut when it was launched in Indonesia. Using the brand's mild-hybrid system called Smart Hybrid Technology, the electrified MPV has a refreshed exterior and more standard equipment than the normal gas-powered Ertiga that we have in the country.
Packing a 1.5-liter K15B engine underneath, the Ertiga Hybrid's powertrain is assisted by an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a lithium-ion battery pack that gives it 104.7 PS and 137 Nm of torque. Despite very minimal differences in terms of power numbers, the hybrid system allows the Ertiga to have fuel-saving features such as an automatic start/stop system, regenerative braking, and torque assist that provides an extra punch when accelerating.
While Suzuki Philippines won't confirm anything until they've done their brand presentation at PIMS, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid will definitely bring something unique to the table should it enter the competitive 7-seater MPV segment this year.