Suzuki’s will show its latest hybrid technology concept – a plug-in Swift – for the first time in Europe at Geneva next month.
It said its hybrid was ideal for drivers who travel low mileages every day as it was designed to be driven primarily on electric power with its compact 660cc petrol engine used as a back up. It is also equipped with a generator to quickly charge the lithium-ion batteries when capacity level drops. Further recharging when parked is by means of a simple domestic plug socket.
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The Swift plug-in differs from some other hybrid vehicles as it relies on its 54Kw (73PS) electric motor to travel distances of up to 20km (12 miles); resulting in greatly reduced emissions. The type of small cubic capacity petrol engine used is similar to that fitted to compact dimension and low tax ‘Kei’ cars in Japan; a sector where Suzuki has much experience.
Suzuki will also show the Kizashi saloon for the first time in Europe. It goes on sale in Switzerland later this year following recent debuts in Japan and North America. It will also be launched in Australia in May.
The Kizashi has a 2.4-litre petrol engine with CVT transmission and intelligent i-AWD four-wheel drive as standard.
Geneva will also see some styling changes to Suzuki’s three and five door Grand Vitara models with both models now incorporating a redesigned tailgate without spare wheel. The new more stylish shape makes the vehicle more suitable for city driving without compromising the original lifestyle and 4×4 capability of the model, the automaker said.
