The Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid sports a 48V hybrid motor mated to a 1.2 liter petrol engine promising 32 kmpl fuel efficiency.
Maruti Suzuki had earlier announced plans on more emphasis on electric mobility at the 2020 Auto Expo and has kept to their promise. The company has showcased a new electric vehicle concept along with the Swift hybrid with ‘Suzuki Strong Hybrid Technology’.
The Suzuki Hybrid at the Maruti pavilion packs 48V mild hybrid system which is a more advanced system as compared to the 12V start/stop system seen on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Ertiga and Ciaz. This Strong Hybrid Technology promises certain advantages in terms of reduced emissions, increased fuel efficiency and superior driving performance and acceleration.
The Strong Hybrid Technology also adopts Suzuki’s Hybrid system with advanced Li-ion battery technology which will be capable of functions such as idle start/stop, torque assist and regenerative braking.
Maruti Swift Hybrid is currently on sale in Japan. Displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Swift Hybrid is powered by a 1.2 liter DualJet K12C petrol engine offering 89 bhp power at 6,000 rpm and 120 Nm torque at 4,400 rpm mated to a 5 speed AMT. The hybrid powertrain allows the Swift Hybrid to run on full electric mode at low speeds for a short distance with fuel efficiency at 32 kmpl in the JC08 test cycle. The advantage with hybrids is that once the electric charge of the motor is depleted, the car can run on a normal petrol engine as well.
The Swift Hybrid measures 3,840mm length, 1,692mm in width and 1,500mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,450mm. In terms of design, it is similar to the regular Maruti Suzuki Swift except for the distinctive ‘Hybrid’ badging and also receives dual camera brake support and paddle shifters. Maruti Suzuki is gauging customer response to the Swift Hybrid prior to its launch in the country. If all goes well, launch is expected by Diwali 2020.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid is in line with the company vision of Mission Green Million to offer affordable hybrid technologies and move towards electrified powertrains. At the 2020 Auto Expo, Maruti Suzuki shows special focus on hybrid and electric mobility with the biggest highlight being the electric coupe-styled concept Futuro-e. The company also has the facelifted Vitara Brezza Petrol, New Ignis and other cars such as the S-Presso CNG, WagonR, Celerio, Ciaz S, Swift, Dzire, S-Cross, XL-6 and Ertiga on display.
