Suzuki's Mild-Hybrid Tech Debuts On 1.0-litre Boosterjet With 2017 Swift

The 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol that made its debut with the Baleno RS in India could become the first petrol engine from Maruti Suzuki to get the SHVS mild-hybrid tech in the county, like the 1.3-litre diesel. 

Suzuki has revealed the Euro-spec third-generation Swift at the ongoing 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Though we got to know several bits about the new Swift 2017 from its Japanese debut last December, Suzuki has now revealed almost everything about it. It is now official that the new Swift shares its underpinnings with the Baleno and the Ignis – Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform. Interestingly, it becomes Suzuki's first car to get the SHVS mild-hybrid tech with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo petrol motor.  

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The SHVS (smart hybrid vehicle by Suzuki) tech until now was offered with the 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol motor and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine (Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet). Out of these two, it’s the latter which is available in the Indian market, so presently there is no petrol offering in Maruti Suzuki’s India portfolio that comes with this mild-hybrid system. 

What is SHVS? The SHVS mild hybrid system incorporates an ISG (integrated starter generator), which acts as both a generator and a starter motor. The ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration, and also generates electricity through regenerative braking. 

The 1.0-litre Boosterjet, which is an engine from Suzuki’s latest family of downsized, direct-injected, forced induction engines, could become the first petrol motor to feature this in the country. The recently launched Baleno RS official introduced this motor in India last week. Also, the mild-hybrid tech attracts lower taxes in the country (the Ciaz and the Ertiga got a price cut post its introduction).  

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Maruti recently told us that the possibility is there for future RS cars in its portfolio. So we cannot rule out the introduction of a Swift RS with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine in the country. The automaker might introduce the SHVS tech with the Swift RS, which will eventually be borrowed by the Baleno RS as well. This will result in improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The Suzuki Swift 1.0-litre Boosterjet, for instance, is rated at 97gkm. The all-new Swift is expected to launch at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo early next year. Suzuki has also incorporated this engine in the facelifted S-Cross globally, which is India-bound later this year. The S-Cross will also be benefited with it if offered in India with this motor.

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