Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover

With today’s shifting trend, many car buyers start to pay more attention to multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) due to their overall versatility and decent price range. 

Catching the interest of motorists early on was the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. Launched sometime in 2022, it offers improved fuel efficiency, flexible seating, and a modest design. 

On that note, we take a look at its range-topping variant — the GLX AT — to see whether the MPV is a good pick for Filipino families. 

Dimensions 

At a glance, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid  GLX AT looks just the right size for city driving. It’s not too tall (which makes it a good ride for those whose parking spaces have lower clearances) and not too wide, allowing even beginners to easily maneuver the vehicle. 

For comparison’s sake, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is just a hair wider than the Toyota Vios, which is a sedan with a width of 1,730 millimeters (mm). This makes squeezing in and out of tight parking spots, as well as getting in and out of narrow roads, quite an easy task. 

In addition, it enjoys a decent ground clearance (that helps with going over speed bumps and saves it from concrete stoppers in most parking areas) while ensuring the MPV’s stability when driving at higher speeds. 

Below are its measurements: 

LxWxD (in mm)	4,395 x 1,735 x 1,690
Ground clearance (in mm)	180
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,740
Turning radius (in meters)	5.2

Exterior

The exterior of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT boasts just the right amount of flair, which some might find lacking, but will hit the sweet spot for those who want an MPV that can fly — or drive — under the radar. 

At the fore is a simple grille with chrome effects. Here, the Suzuki emblem sits at the center. Flanking the latticework are halogen projector-type headlamps with an automatic function. The lower part of its fascia gets a plastic garnish with horizontal vents, whose trims extend to the housing of the vehicle’s front fog lamps. 

The side profile of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is accentuated by strong horizontal bodylines that give the MPV a stout stance. Highlighting its doors are blacked-out pillars with chrome handles. It also gets side mirrors with repeaters and a window on the third row, which gives the impression of a floating roof. 

It rides on 15-inch two-tone wheels wrapped in 185/65 radial tires. 

At the back, the MPV is given a roof-mounted third brake lamp, a good-sized glass (which helps when backing up), a tailgate that opens wide, and reflectors on each side of its simple-looking bumper. What the author always liked about the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is its combination taillamps, which kind of adds character to the vehicle. 

Overall, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT might not turn heads like the aggressive-looking Mitsubishi Xpander or the futuristic Hyundai Stargazer. However, some may find strength in its modest appearance, especially those who prefer rides with looks that they believe will age well. 

Interior

The cabin of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT mimics what the MPV offers at the surface: simple and straightforward, yet with some stylish trims. 

Welcoming the driver is a cockpit that is fitted with faux wood accents, which are found on the dashboard, the three-spoke steering wheel, and the front row door cards. 

To the right person (such as the writer), the said cosmetic trims give the MPV a warm and homey vibe — a breath of fresh air from the sporty and modern-looking interiors that come with most segment models on the market today. 

Past the aforementioned multi-functional steering wheel is an instrument cluster that combines both analog gauges and a small digital screen. Here, the driver can check below information: 

• Speedometer 
• Tachometer 
• Odometer 
• Engine temperature gauge 
• Fuel gauge 
• Engaged gear 

The instrument panel is accompanied by a floating 10-inch infotainment screen. It has wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto, which the author found to offer seamless connectivity. No delay or lag was apparent, and the system quickly read the smartphone once plugged in. 

Below it are knobs and buttons for the air conditioning unit, which for an MPV is pretty average. There is no armrest (which I wish it had), although there are cup holders on the center console that have louvers connected to the air conditioning system to help keep cold beverages cool in hot weather. 

As for its seats, all are upholstered in fabric but offer some level of comfort nonetheless. 

Speaking of which, the second-row seating slides and folds, allowing for a more flexible arrangement with those sitting in the third row. Should the space be required for accommodating cargo, both the second and third row seats can be folded down. 

In general, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT has some neat interior appointments. And while they’re nothing to write home about, they pretty much answer the everyday motoring needs of most Filipino families, such as a reliable infotainment system (for navigation and audio applications) and versatile seating. 

Powertrain

Under the hood of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. 

It produces the following figures: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	102
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	138

In stop-and-go traffic, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT has no problems accelerating. Forward movement is also smooth thanks to the vehicle’s automatic transmission. 

When speeding through the highways, the MPV may take some time to build up pace. But, it has no problems maintaining its cadence and proves to be stable even when reaching the expressway limit. 

Handling is fair with some noticeable body roll when entering corners. In straightaways, the seven-seater is surprisingly steady. 

While the mild hybrid technology of the MPV can help save some fuel, the savings will not be as drastic since the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT has no means of propelling itself using electric power alone. 

Instead, it uses an integrated starter generator that charges the battery and electric motor, while providing assistance during standing starts and acceleration. This, in tandem with the brand’s engine auto stop-start system, allows the vehicle to slightly minimize fuel consumption by lessening the engine’s workload.

Per Suzuki Philippines Incorporated, the Ertiga Hybrid is 7.5 percent more efficient than its predecessor. 

Safety 

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT is packed with decent safety technologies to give families peace of mind while on the road.

Below are its features: 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• ISOFIX tethers 
• Side impact door beams 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Hill hold 
• Parking sensors 
• Rear parking camera
• Cruise control 

Verdict 

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT can be a good first MPV for families who want to upgrade from sedans and compact hatchbacks. 

It offers decent features and provides an entryway for motorists who want to switch to a more sustainable means of moving, but do not want to fully commit to hybrid cars or electric vehicles. 

The MPV packs just the basics. And if you think about it, you’re not forced to pay for features you don’t need. 

Those interested in this modest seven-seater can choose from the following variants: 

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GA MT	P954,000
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GL MT	P1.093 million
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GL AT	P1.128 million
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT	P1.178 million

 

Also read: 

All-new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro CVT: affordable, capable

JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes

ELECTRIA: VinFast VF5: adequate alternative

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