Suzuki Vitara gets 1.5 litre petrol hybrid option: Same engine to be offered on Maruti & Toyota SUVs

Most of car manufacturers around the world are slowly moving way from diesel engines are concentrating on petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles. In India, we have seen sudden rise in demand for electric vehicles and more manufacturers are actually entering this segment with and interesting products. Maruti Suzuki has Smart Hybrid system for their cars in India but, now Suzuki has introduced a hybrid option with the brands 1.5 litre petrol engine in Europe. The hybrid option is first introduced in Vitara SUV. This engine is an updated version of the K15B engine that is offered in cars like Maruti Ertiga, Ciaz and XL6 in India.

It must be noted that Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are jointly developing a new compact SUV for India that will rival Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos in the segment. The newly introduced Hybrid system in Suzuki cars is likely to make its way to Indian shores in the newly developed SUV. The upcoming SUVs from Maruti and Toyota were recently spotted testing under heavy camouflage.

The new Hybrid engine from Suzuki is known as K15C and generates 115 Ps and 138 Nm of peak torque. The engine generates 10 Ps more power than the current K15B engine in India. The Hybrid system uses an electric motor and the motor generates 33 Ps and 60 Nm of peak torque. Depending up on the model in which this system is being installed, the motor will either power the front wheels or all four wheels. This is not a mild hybrid system and can help the car move by just using the electric motor for a short range. An option to use it along with the petrol engine for improved fuel efficiency is also available.

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The new Hybrid system in the Suzuki vehicle uses a 12v lithium-ion battery. Another 12 V lead-acid battery is also there in the car that takes care of electrical components like the lights, and other select features. As mentioned above, one of the main aim of Hybrid system is to improve the fuel economy and with the new system. The Hybrid option in Suzuki Vitara returns a claimed mileage of  22.5 kmpl.

As mentioned above, Maruti and Toyota are jointly developing a new SUV that would rival with the likes of Hyundai Creta. Both the manufactures will be sharing technology and features in this upcoming SUV. There will only be a slight change in terms of exterior design which would differentiate both the SUVs. The Maruti’s version of the upcoming SUV is currently called YFG and the Toyota calls it D22.

The upcoming SUV from both the manufacturers is based on Toyota’s low-cost Daihatsu New Generation Architecture (DNGA). It is derived from Toyota’s TNGA, which underpins cars like Camry in India. As of now, not much information is available about the upcoming SUVs but, with the introduction of proper Hybrid system into the 1.5 litre petrol engine in Vitara in Europe, it is quite evident that the technology will make its way to India. This is relevant in current condition where petrol and diesel prices are rising and people are looking for a fuel efficient car which does not feel lazy to drive.

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