Skip advert
Advertisement

New Suzuki Vitara hybrid on the way

Both 12-volt and 48v mild hybrids and a full-hybrid Vitara all in the pipeline at Suzuki

Suzuki Vitara - front

The Suzuki Vitara will be the Japanese firm’s first full-hybrid model when it launches early next decade, Auto Express can reveal.

Dale Wyatt, Suzuki UK’s managing director, told us electrification will be a key pillar in the brand’s development over the next few years.

Best hybrid SUVs on sale

Advertisement - Article continues below

“We’ll see mild hybrid coming through,” he said. “We’ll use 12-volt systems on smaller cars, and 48-volt on the larger models - this will happen up to 2020.”

Asked whether full-hybrid powertrains would feature in the Suzuki line-up later down the line, Wyatt said: “Yes, but on S-Cross and Vitara. Not Swift and Celerio.”

Price is the deciding factor on what form of electrification Suzuki’s future models will use; more expensive models are able absorb the higher cost of hybrid technology. 

“The cost of electrification is around £10,000,” Wyatt added. “People aren’t prepared to pay that kind of money on a [Ford] Fiesta, or a Swift.”

Wyatt also hinted at the possibility of a slimmed-down Suzuki range in the future, however. It would see the company looking to ditch its two model per segment strategy, one rational and one emotional, for a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

He admitted the models pulling customers into showrooms were cars like the funky Ignis, Swift and Vitara, rather than the more practical Celerio, Baleno and S-Cross.

Take a look at the best plug-in hybrid cars on sale right now...

Get the latest electric car news, reviews and analysis on DrivingElectric.com

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars
Brussels Motor Show header

Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars

The all-new BYD Atto 2, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Mazda 6e were among the key models on display at this year's Brussels Motor Show
News
14 Jan 2025
New 2025 Suzuki Vitara facelift gets extra kit but costs more than a Ford Puma
2025 Suzuki Vitara - front 3/4

New 2025 Suzuki Vitara facelift gets extra kit but costs more than a Ford Puma

Prices now start from £26,949 for the SUV, which has received a series of updates inside and out
News
8 Nov 2024
New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range
Suzuki e Vitara reveal - front

New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range

The compact Suzuki e Vitara electric SUV will be available with four-wheel drive, and should arrive next summer
News
4 Nov 2024
Most reliable cars to buy now
Most reliable cars - header image

Most reliable cars to buy now

How do you judge a new car’s reliability before taking ownership? Our Driver Power survey has the answer…
Best cars & vans
24 Sep 2024

Most Popular

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics
These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics header

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics

Is it time to get on board with these 40-year-old cars that have just qualified for the historic vehicle road tax exemption?
Features
12 Jan 2025
Car Deal of the Day: simply brilliant new Skoda Elroq SUV for under £300 per month
Skoda Elroq - side static

Car Deal of the Day: simply brilliant new Skoda Elroq SUV for under £300 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 12 January is a great price for Skoda’s supremely comfortable and very spacious new electric SUV
News
12 Jan 2025
New Dacia Bigster embarrasses Nissan Qashqai as prices start from under £25,000
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

New Dacia Bigster embarrasses Nissan Qashqai as prices start from under £25,000

The Dacia Duster’s big brother is available to pre-order now, and is due to go on sale in March
News
15 Jan 2025