Suzuki expands its range of vehicles with the “ECO” label with the arrival of two new and interesting models in its range, the new Vitara Hybrid and the new generation of the S-Cross with mild hybrid technology.
With this, except for one model, the Jimny, a fun SUV that is offered only in its commercial variant. With the new models we have been able to make a first contact on the occasion of the Sunshine Tour 2022, an important equestrian competition held in Vejer.
Suzuki has been supporting the equestrian world for years, including sponsoring the Sunshine Tour 2022, a competition in which over seven weeks more than 3,800 competition horses from all over the world gather in that area of southern Spain. It is undoubtedly one of the most important equestrian events in the world and Suzuki is, together with the Junta de Andalucía, one of the main sponsors of this event, recognized worldwide.
Suzuki’s other great bet in recent years has been its strategy for the electrification of its models. In fact, all the cars that currently make up the Suzuki family have some form of electrification, from the light hybridization of the Ignis (MHEV) to the efficiency of the plug-in hybrid, and Suzuki’s top of the range, the Across.
At the end of last year, the brand launched the new S-Cross on the market, but its debut in partnership now comes with the Sunshine Tour. But without a doubt the main novelty of the brand is the new hybrid version of the Vitara, which until now only had mild hybrid versions. The new Vitara Hybrid (self-recharging hybrid) is a more modern and efficient version, which can now run in electric-only mode in some circumstances.
“ECO” label
This new version is equipped with a double engine. On the one hand, the new 1.5-liter Dualjet gasoline engine that provides 102 HP of power. This engine is combined with a 34 hp electric drive. In this way, the combined usable power between both engines is 116 horsepower, which allows agile driving on all types of terrain, as we were able to verify in our first contact on first and second order roads in the Cádiz area.
But with an important feature, its very adjusted consumption. And it is that thanks to the combination of the two engines and the speed with which the system determines when to use each of the engines, consumption is significantly reduced. Its approved value stands at 4.8 liters, a good figure if we take into account that it is an SUV and that it offers 4×4 drive versions among its range.
Vitara Hybrid
The key to this new hybrid version is that thanks to its modern hybrid system, the vehicle is capable of driving only with the electric motor moving the car. It has a small battery, like all self-recharging hybrids, so it can only go less than two kilometers in electric-only mode. But its effectiveness is based on the fact that driving in the city, for example, we will go a good part of the time with the gasoline engine off and saving fuel.
This system also improves consumption figures when driving on the road and provides an additional contribution of torque in said use. In fact, in our first contact, the consumption figure came down at times from 4.0 liters, but that was driving at a very slow speed. But getting a consumption below 5.0 liters is quite easy if you don’t abuse the accelerator.
This hybrid system is perfectly complemented by the six-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine’s speed to be maintained in its optimum consumption zone, with the support of the electric motor when necessary. This new hybrid version will coexist on the market with the well-known 1.4 engine already available up to now, which has a mild hybrid system, less efficient but which also gives it the “ECO” label, so important at the moment.
The new Vitara 1.5 Hybrid, like the 1.4 version, is available with 2WD front-wheel drive and AllGrip 4×4 technology, an effective intelligent all-wheel drive system that allows the type of transmission to be adapted to driving circumstances. This system offers four modes easily selectable by means of a rotary selector next to the gear lever, Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. The 4×4 system optimizes the vehicle’s response in all circumstances. In addition, it provides descent control, interesting when we leave the asphalt and enter a more complicated area, with slippery terrain and steep descents.
Suzuki S-Cross
The other vehicle that we have tested is the new S-Cross, which we already told you about. It is an SUV from the compact segment that attracts attention with its elegant style. It stands out for its good options for off-road use, thanks to its Allgrip traction, descent control and its higher ground clearance. It is only available with an efficient 130 horsepower gasoline engine, with 48 volt mild hybrid technology and therefore with an “ECO” label.
The S-Cross brings a renewed aesthetic and the option of 4×4 traction
The new S-Cross has a different aesthetic, especially on its front. It now offers a more robust appearance, with its large hexagonal central grill. The headlights are seamlessly integrated with the fog and daytime running lights to provide a sleek look. In its side view, it has muscular wheel arches, which gives it that robust appearance, essential in an SUV with country options.
Regarding its mechanics, there are no changes compared to the previous generation and it uses the 1.4-liter turbo engine that offers 130 horsepower. It is a modern engine, with direct injection and a 48 V light hybrid system, which gives it its “eco” label. Its electric motor offers up to 13.6 additional horsepower, in some circumstances, and allows energy to be recovered from retention. Being small displacement and having a small turbo there is no response time and almost immediately, as soon as you step on the accelerator, the car accelerates quite effectively.
Almost none of its rivals offer 4×4 traction, but in this case the Allgrip system is available in the S2 and S3 trim levels. The electronically controlled 4×4 system adjusts the amount of engine torque to send to the rear wheels.
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