Suzuki hybrids on the way

Suzuki has announced a trio of self-charging hybrid vehicles, at least one of which is almost certain to come to Australia.

The Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross and Swift will be available in Europe from March 2020 with 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol-electric powertrains claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent over equivalent 1.4-litre turbo-petrol models.

Suzuki also claims the self-charging hybrid systems will see the small SUV, compact crossover and popular light hatch emit 20 per cent less CO2 and deliver peak torque of 235Nm – slightly up on the 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine's 220Nm/230Nm.

Early this year Suzuki Australia's general manager of automobiles, Michael Pachota, said that the Aussie importer was "…currently working on an introduction of hybrid in Australia, definitely within the next two years".

At the time, it seemed likely that Suzuki Australia’s first hybrid model would be the Swift, the brand's top-selling model and a car with widespread mainstream recognition and of sound reputation.

Now, however, despite the fact it’s due for a full model refresh in April 2020, the Suzuki Swift appears likely to remain without a hybrid powertrain in Australia for a couple of years. But when it eventually arrives it could become one of the most affordable hybrids available in Australia.

Speaking with carsales today, Pachota didn’t kybosh the release of hybrid Suzuki vehicles in Australia, but he backtracked on his previous 2021 timeline, noting that "… the hybrid landscape has changed significantly in the past year in our market".

"At this stage, there is no confirmation on the implementation of Suzuki hybrid technology for our line-up in Australia, although I can confirm our study is still aiming for introduction as soon as it is possible.

Pachota added that "It's not a matter of if, it's when."

"We have been working continuously with Suzuki Motor Corporation for local introduction of new Suzuki technology and other specifications that are or will be available for overseas markets."

Suzuki's upcoming new-generation hybrid tech is similar in principle to Toyota's in-demand hybrid models, which use the engine and brakes to recharge the battery. But Suzuki uses a 48-volt system and a lithium-ion battery, as opposed to Toyota's lower-density nickel metal hydride batteries.

Details are scarce but the new system, dubbed SHVS (smart hybrid vehicle by Suzuki), replaces Suzuki's older 12V hybrid set-up and adds less than 15kg to the car's overall weight.

Toyota will sell a record 25,000 hybrids in 2019 (having sold around 100,000 in the last 18 years), which shows the appetite for petrol-electric vehicles is increasing, particularly as they become more affordable.

Suzuki will join the fun with its own budget-priced hybrids in due course, along with the likes of Subaru in early 2020, with more details on the engine size and electric capability of the 48V SHVS tech to be announced early next year.

"We do want to showcase Suzuki's technological advancements in the Aussie market, and we wanted to wait for when it became affordable. Our cars are for the people. We have unbeatable value, which takes a front seat on the priority list," said Pachota.

As for a Suzuki EV coming to Australia? Don't hold your breath.

"You find a lot of other manufacturers are bringing out EV models as heroes for technology. I understand that; it's a good fist-pumper to have. But at the same time they're not priced competitively within our range."