Yes, the Suzuki Vitara now comes with full hybrid technology -- in Europe

MANILA: Are we perhaps destined to see this here in the Philippines sooner than later?

The Suzuki Vitara, which is known for its city-oriented design, compact dimensions, and impressive performance, now comes with full hybrid technology that reduces CO2 emissions and improves fuel economy even further than the mild hybrid with automatic transmission. The Vitara Full Hybrid is manufactured at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary, which also produces all-new S-Cross models for European markets and exports worldwide.

The Vitara is a strong-looking vehicle that reflects Suzuki's SUV aesthetic history. The front end has a solid look, thanks to the clamshell bonnet and the trapezoid motif front bumper that implies strong ground grip. The bonnet side louvers motifs and prominent body side character lines are evocative of the first generation Vitara from 1988.

The Vitara Full Hybrid comes standard with seven airbags, LED multi-reflector headlamps for low and high beam, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, auto air conditioning and front and rear electric windows, keyless entry and start, 17-inch silver painted alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and white stitching for seat trim fabric.

The Vitara comes in 11 color options, one of which is a solid color. All of the others have metallic finish, with six of them having a dual-tone metallic with a Cosmic Black roof.

The new Suzuki system, which works with the new K15C engine, includes a 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, a 12V lithium-ion battery, and a traditional 12V lead-acid battery to power components that require lower voltage, such as lights, gauges, heating, and air-conditioning.

The new hybrid system comes with two two selectable modes: Eco and Standard. With just one switch, the driver may shift between the two modes depending on the situation. In Standard mode, the motor generator unit (MGU) assists the petrol engine more frequently, allowing for a more dynamic driving experience.

The MGU is a belt-driven generator and starter motor that aids the petrol engine during vehicle take-off.

The high-performance lithium-ion battery includes an idle stop function controlled through the integrated starter generator and stores electrical energy collected from deceleration and braking.

The engine ECU predicts when the driver will accelerate based on engine speed and throttle position, and then uses electric motor assist to provide more torque.

Furthermore, the hybrid system efficiently captures kinetic energy and produces electricity by stopping the engine and disengaging the clutch during deceleration, extending the EV driving range. Vitara, as a full hybrid, can run on its electric motor alone for short distances.

The Vitara Full Hybrid comes standard with Auto Gear Shift (AGS), which automatically shifts the manual transmission and optimizes gear ratios for a desirable balance of performance and fuel economy. This allows the driver to have the direct driving experience of a manual gearbox as well as the ease of shifting of an automatic transmission. Another significant benefit is the lower component weight when compared to a traditional torque converter type Automatic. The transmission also features a manual mode with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The position of the MGU on the output side of the transmission assembly is one of the most remarkable features of the newest hybrid system with AGS. This allows the MGU's output to be directly sent to the driveshafts, filling the torque gap during shifting and resulting in a smoother transition from the transmission.

Due to the adoption of hybrid technology, high tensile steel, and other weight-saving techniques in the body, the Vitara emits very little CO2. With the weight-savings made throughout development, the Vitara is one of the lightest SUVs in its class at just 1,268 kg.

Suzuki has also introduced a new generation of four-wheel-drive technologies that provide driving enjoyment and peace of mind in various situations while promoting economy and reducing the environmental impact of four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Suzuki's AllGrip "Select" system, which includes four driver-selectable modes for safe, pleasant driving on various surfaces, is available as an option. It made its debut in the S-Cross model.

The Vitara AllGrip system was improved throughout development by the addition of a feed forward function that distributes torque to the rear wheels before any slippage happens. Instead of responding after a loss of grip, it manages the vehicle to prevent a loss of grip, resulting in increased stability.

The vehicle's audio system includes a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio (SLDA) with a large seven-inch touch screen display for easy operation. The system also features a three-dimensional navigation map that makes landmarks easy to recognize, as well as the ability to use select smartphone apps via MirrorLink, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use iPhone in the Vitara. Aside from making calls, it also allows the driver to receive directions for optimized traffic conditions, play music, check their email, and send and receive text messages.

Seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, as well as seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, are included as standard safety equipment. Among the standard fitment safety features are dual sensor brake support (DSBS), blind spot monitor, and lane departure warning/lane departure prevention.

DSBS is one of the safety technologies supported by the advanced forward detection system on the Vitara.  If the system detects a potential collision with a forward obstruction at speeds ranging from three to 62mph, it gives both an audio and visual warning. If the driver panic brakes because there is a high chance of colliding with a forward obstacle, the system activates brake assist, which increases braking force. If the possibility of a collision rises even higher, the system engages full automatic braking to avoid a collision or minimize damage.

Meanwhile, the blind spot monitor makes lane changing safer at speeds above 10 mph. The system has two rear-mounted side radar sensors that can detect cars in or approaching the Vitara's rear blind spots on either side. Once detected, the warning LED icon in the corresponding exterior mirror illuminates. If the driver ignores it, a  flashing LED icon is accompanied by a warning sound alert.

The lane departure warning and lane departure prevention vibrates and delivers some input to the steering wheel and illuminates a warning indicator in the instrument cluster to alert the driver when the vehicle is traveling at speeds of approximately 37mph and up to 100mph (where permitted) and is leaving the lane without the driver using a turn signal.

The Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid comes in three variants: SZ-T, SZ5 2WD, and SZ5 AllGrip. Pricing starts at £25,499.

Photos from Suzuki

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