Suzuki will introduce a new 48v mild-hybrid powertrain to the Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross early next year.

The engine will offer up to 20% lower CO2 emissions, a greater level of torque and a 15% overall improvement in fuel consumption.

It will directly replace the current 1.4-litre Boosterjet.

Similar in basic principle to the 12v hybrid SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki), the newly developed 48v hybrid powertrain remains lightweight in design and the components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.

A 48v lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) and 48v-12v (DC/DC) converter is used to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio and air conditioning. The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm.

The battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Starter Generator. This battery, along with the DC/DC convertor unit, are located under the front seats to assist overall weight distribution.

A further benefit of the new 48v hybrid system is the introduction of electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged and the engine speed is approximately 1,000rpm. This feature essentially replaces fuel injection with power from the electric motor to then control and maintain engine idling at vehicle speeds below 10mph and when stationary.

This function therefore eliminates fuel consumption under these conditions as engine momentum is electrically controlled by the ISG unit and the car is ready to re-accelerate on request with no engine restart delay.

Further detail and full specifications of the three new Hybrid models will be announced in the new year. The new vehicles will be launched in March.

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