One of the key features highlighted when the 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid was launched is its fuel efficiency. Suzuki Philippines Inc. claimed that the Ertiga’s hybrid power setup helps the seven-seater MPV to deliver better fuel economy than its predecessor.
The 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that’s paired with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which charges up the car’s battery and electric motor. The said setup allows the Ertiga Hybrid to put out 103 hp and 138 Nm of torque.
During the launch held last January, Suzuki Philippines said that the Ertiga Hybrid can return 12.54 km/l in city driving. The said number, according to the car brand, is 7.6 percent better than the outgoing non-hybrid Ertiga.
To further highlight the Ertiga Hybrid’s efficiency, Suzuki Philippines invited Philkotse as well as other select members of the motoring media to test drive its seven-seater MPV. Other than getting acquainted with the vehicle, Suzuki PH wanted participants to see how fuel efficient the new Ertiga Hybrid is.
The starting point of the 2023 Ertiga Hybrid fuel efficiency drive is at the Suzuki Kawit dealership. Participants were divided into groups, with each of the 10 Ertiga Hybrid units having three or four occupants.
From Suzuki Kawit, participants passed through Cavite’s local roads to reach CAVITEX, and then on to NAIAX, and SLEX. Upon exiting SLEX, the final stop is at the Seaoil fuel station located on the National Highway, Barangay Maitim Bay, Laguna.
A total of 80 kilometers were clocked in by the participants, which includes driving the new Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid on local roads and expressways.
The best fuel economy rating was achieved by Car Number 10, which was driven by Roy Robles of Zigwheels Philippines. Riding shotgun was James Tagle of Auto Haven while sitting in the second row of the Ertiga Hybrid was Erica De Zuzuarregui of JamesDeakin.ph.
Car Number 10 delivered a fuel economy rating of 26.80 km/l, according to Suzuki PH. The total fuel consumed by the Ertiga Hybrid for the 80 km drive is said to be 2.985 liters.
Robles shared that he drove the Ertiga Hybrid casually with the aircon blower set on ‘number three’, and the temperature at 24 degrees. Car Number 10 made use of the cruise control, which was set at 80 km/h, in most of their highway drive.
Robles also put the Ertiga Hybrid’s Engine Auto Start Stop system to work, which automatically shuts down the engine when it senses that the vehicle is idling. This allowed the Ertiga Hybrid to deliver a fuel economy of 26.80 km/l.
Does the Ertiga Hybrid’s fuel efficiency rating impress you? Expect more detailed driving impressions once we fully reviewed the 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid.
Get the latest automotive news in Philkotse.