Suzuki Models in The UK To Get A 48V Hybrid Powertrain Next Year

• The 48V system to come with a belt-driven starter-generator mated with the K14D Boosterjet engine.
• The cars will be capable of driving below 10mph (16kmph) on electric power alone.
• Suzuki claims 20 per cent lesser CO2 emissions and 15 per cent better fuel economy.

Suzuki Motor Corporation is set to update three cars in its Euro lineup with self-charging hybrid powertrains. The Swift Sport, Vitara, and SX4 S-Cross will get the new 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine coupled with a 48V lithium-ion battery and a belt-driven starter-generator. Suzuki is quiet about the specs but says the new drivetrain adds just 15kg to each car. Models with the updated drivetrain are expected to debut in March 2020.

Suzuki’s mild-hybrid tech is expected to improve both driveability and emissions. The company claims a 20 per cent improvement in CO2 emissions and 15 per cent in fuel efficiency. The Boosterjet K14C currently makes 140PS of power and 230Nm of torque. Suzuki will update this engine and designate it K14D.

We expect the specifications of the cars to be revealed in the coming months as we get closer to the launch. The three updated vehicles are expected to be revealed in Europe in March 2020.

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Will these cars find their way to India? Maruti Suzuki does offer a mild hybrid system in some models such as the Baleno, S-Cross, and Ciaz. However, the gains in fuel economy are marginal. A spotting from earlier this year tells us that Suzuki might be evaluating the hybrid system for our country. You can read the story about the Baleno hybrid test mule here. The Suzuki Vitara is also expected to come to India. Read our recent story here.

We have little hope of seeing the K14D in India anytime soon. We thought the K14C would make it here in the Suzuki Swift Sport, and we continue to wait. The nearing BS6 deadline is ringing a death knell for the diesel-only BS4 Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and Vitara Brezza. Could either of these cars get the K14D? Watch this space for new announcements.

Currently, the Swift Sport retails from GBP 16,999 (Rs 16 lakh) in the UK. The SX4 S-Cross is priced from GBP 14,999 (Rs 14.20 lakh), while the Vitara retails for GBP 19,599 (Rs 18.55 lakh). Expect the hybrids to be more pricey.

Source: Carscoops