Suzuki has announced that it is rolling out mild-hybrid technology more readily across its range of models.
The tech is being added as standard to the 138bhp 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engine, which is fitted to the Swift Sport hot hatch as well as the S-Cross and Vitara crossovers.
Suzuki is promising that the tech will cut CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent, as well as offering a 15 per cent increase of fuel economy. Increased torque is also delivered, too.
The Japanese manufacturer was one of the trendsetters for this powertrain technology – introducing it to all manual Swift SZ5 and Ignis models since 2016. In those cars it is a 12V lithium-ion battery, but the more powerful engine allows for a 48V setup.
Alongside the battery there is also an integrated starter generator (ISG) and a power converter that allows for the car to run features such as the air-conditioning and lights.
The ISG assists the petrol engine – allowing for improved torque and response. The system can also run purely on electricity at speeds less than 10mph – making it ideal in slow traffic. Yet despite all this tech, Suzuki is saying it will add less than 15kg to the weight of the car.
The technology will be launched in March 2020, with a small price increase expected over the outgoing engine to account for the cost of the technology.
