Not stopping at Ertiga and Grand Vitara, this year PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) is rumored to be presenting a new car with mild hybrid technology that is predicted to be strong, namely the Suzuki XL7 (Specifications | News) Hyrbid 2023.
"Mild hybrid technology, or SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) is a good first step in introducing electrification technology to the Indonesian people on a more massive scale. If previously we only had Ertiga and Grand Vitara, the plan is that this year we will also introduce other hybrid products. What model and when, just wait for further information from us," said Donny Saputra, 4W Marketing Director of PT SIS recently to reporters.
The focus on strengthening SUV production lines and increasing domestic sales, for him, for the initial stage in the introduction of electric cars in the country, is to present cars at affordable prices, easy maintenance levels, and product adaptability levels.
“Each country has different characteristics. Each brand also usually has the same direction globally (electric cars). In the future, be it mild, strong hybrid or BEV, of course we already have a plan," he said.
Playing in the 7-seater Low SUV segment dealing directly with the Honda BR-V, Toyota Rush, Daihatsu Terios and also the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, basically the Suzuki XL7 was built using the exact same platform used by the Ertiga Hybrid. That way it's not a difficult step for Suzuki to create the XL7 Hybrid and launch it this year.
The specifications for the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid 2023 will be the same as the Ertiga Hybrid
If it is true that SIS launched the XL7 Hybrid this year, it is likely that the engine and technology it will carry are the same as those embedded in the Ertiga Hybrid.
In the Ertiga Hybrid, mild hybrid technology or what is called SHVS relies on 2 main components to accompany the internal combustion engine, namely ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) and Lithium-Ion Battery with a power of 6 Ah 12V.
ISG itself is Suzuki's first technology development in creating fuel-efficient vehicles at affordable prices. The embedded technology will make conventional engines turn off for a moment when the car stops.
When stopped at a red light or traffic jam with the engine off, the air conditioning, radio and other electrical systems will continue to work thanks to the supply of electric power from the battery placed under the front passenger seat. This makes fuel consumption more economical and of course more environmentally friendly.
For information, the Ertiga Hybrid with SHVS technology is combined with the K15B pacemaker with a capacity of 1,500 cc 4-cylinder in line DOHC 16 valve multipoint injection which can generate power up to 104.7 PS at 6,000 rpm with a torque of 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm.
