Your Guide to Hybrid
Everything you need to know about Suzuki’s range of hybrid vehicles, from understanding the technology and the different types, to the benefits of owning one and why you should consider a hybrid as your next car.
What is a Hybrid?
Simply, hybrid cars have more than one source of power, combining a conventional petrol or diesel engine with a battery-powered electric motor to maximise efficiency.
Compared with standard petrol or diesel engines, hybrids help reduce fuel usage and minimise harmful CO2 emissions, making them a cleaner and greener way to travel.
Suzuki Hybrid systems are light and compact, and when combined with a lightweight chassis and responsive petrol engine, deliver nimble performance and improved efficiency.
Types of Hybrid
Every model in the Suzuki range is now hybrid (except the Jimny LCV), but there are several different types which can be a little confusing for the uninitiated. Discover the three main types of hybrid below.
Mild Hybrid (MHEV)
Electric assistance
Typically, a mild hybrid has a small battery-powered electric motor that assists the petrol engine for coasting, braking and supporting the engine during take-off and acceleration. Contrary to full and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the power sources in a mild hybrid are not used independently of one another.
Mild Hybrids (MHEV)
Electric assistance
IGNIS |
SWIFT |
VITARA |
S-CROSS |
Full Hybrid (HEV)
Short electric range
A full hybrid uses both the combustion engine and the electric motor to drive the car, either simultaneously or independently. As the electric motor is built into the powertrain, a full hybrid can switch to run in electric only mode when it is more efficient to do so such as low speeds driving around town.
Full Hybrids (HEV)
Short electric range
VITARA |
S-CROSS |
SWACE |
|
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV)
Extended electric range
As the name suggests, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) can be plugged in to the charge the battery and bridges the gap between a petrol and electric car. Commute with a full charge and enjoy silent, fuel-saving electric driving, then once the battery runs out use the combustion engine to drive the car.
Reasons to buy
The Suzuki lineup is now 100% hybrid, meaning impressive performance, greater fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions as standard with all models. Discover what this new addition to the range means for you and learn about the benefits of Suzuki Hybrid.
The Suzuki Hybrid range
Full electric vehicles (EVs) are not suitable for the vast majority of motorists with concerns over long distance travelling capability, and the practicalities of how and where to charge. Suzuki hybrids offer a realistic solution and are perfect for the current market.