Suzuki unveils several new models and joins the trend of range extenders

Suzuki is one of the great Japanese brands and is ready to face the next decade with several new developments and electrified models. These models aim to offer the best mobility solutions with vehicles that take less time to develop and are more modular. Some of the planned developments include a new turbocharged petrol engine, a light hybrid system and an interesting range of hybrid propulsion systems, which will include the first lightweight range extender.

According to Suzuki, the new 3-in-1 e-Axle system used in the electric kei car e Sky will evolve into a modular 6-in-1 unit with the same dimensions. This unit will be fitted to battery electric and hybrid vehicles, under the name Right x Light Mobile Tech. A somewhat larger version of this system will be available for subcompact, compact and mid-size models.

The e Sky will be equipped with a front electric motor delivering 94 CV, and one on the rear axle providing an additional 13 CV in all-wheel-drive versions. Larger electric models will feature a front motor delivering 174 CV and, if equipped with all-wheel drive, a second rear motor that adds another 40 CV. These electric motors will contain no rare earths to improve recyclability.

The most compact models will use a new-design light hybrid system, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 15%, meaning 150 kg less CO2 every 10,000 kilometres. The traditional hybrid system aims for emissions reductions of up to 29%, which would mean 300 kg less every 10,000 kilometres.

In this new hybrid system, the combustion engine will work as a generator, meaning it will be a range extender. These vehicles will be called REEV Light, that is, lightweight electric vehicles with a battery range extender. This will allow the battery to be smaller and also to include a charging port.

For now, it is known that the models incorporating this system will be the Suzuki Baleno and the Suzuki Fronx. Possible candidates include the S-Cross, the Vitara, the Grand Vitara and the Victoris, although none has been confirmed yet.

A new petrol engine

But electric motor developments are not the only focus for Suzuki’s engineers. Developing a new turbocharged petrol engine, aimed mainly at models sold in India, is one of the key priorities for Suzuki in the coming years.

This engine will reach 50% efficiency, compared with 40% for current engines, thanks to changes and improvements in its operation.

Lighter vehicles

The new Suzuki models will weigh less, thanks to lighter materials and changes to components such as bolts, which will have a smaller head and save one gram per unit. As a result, fuel consumption and polluting gas emissions will be reduced.