Suzuki has unveiled the Swift Hybrid and launched the Hybrid SG and Hybrid SL variants in Japan. The hatchback pairs the standard 91hp 1.2-litre petrol motor to a 10 kW Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and a 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS) gearbox. This hybrid system automatically stops the internal combustion engine and switches to EV driving when the vehicle is running at a constant speed or creeping in traffic.
Thanks to the hatchback’s low weight of below 1,000kg (thereby qualifying for eco-car tax breaks in Japan), the claimed fuel efficiency for the hybrid is 32 kpl.
The Swift Hybrid SL variant comes equipped with paddle shift in order to provide an immersive driving experience. Advanced safety features including the Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) collision-mitigating system that features a monocular camera and laser sensor to detect pedestrians and vehicles ahead, as well as SRS curtain airbags and front seat SRS side airbags, come as standard.
Maruti Suzuki has not given any indication whether the hybrid Swift will come to India. However, the next-gen Swift (based on the Heartect platform) will debut at the 2018 Auto Expo and launch in India early next year. The Japanese manufacturer also has the S-Cross and Celerio facelifts in the pipeline.
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