Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid

For the Philippines-spec Ertiga Hybrid, Suzuki has opted for an all-black theme for the cabin, which gets a faux wood finish layer across the dashboard and contrasts silver accents on places like multi-functional, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and lower centre console.

The steering wheel here has a flat-bottomed design, with it having a classy-looking instrument console with chrome-garnished analogue gauges and a 4.2-inch TFT MID in the middle. In the middle, the infotainment system has a floating design, that makes the centre console look larger. The AC vents are neatly integrated into the horizontal layer above the faux wood panel across the dashboard.

The lower centre console of the dashboard accommodates the panel for the climate control, below which it has cup holders and a USB port. A unique feature here in the lower centre console is the ventilated cup holders, where they have a separate AC vent to keep the cans or small bottles chilled. Like most of the other compact MPVs, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid also gets a 60:40 split-folding facility for the second-row seats and a 50:50 split-folding facility for the third-row seats. 

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Seat folding mechanisms are offered as standard in all variants

Con: Cabin layout lacks modernity

Features and Technology

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid follows a conversative approach when it comes to equipment levels, with the compact MPV not having much flash and trendy features in the cabin. It does cover much of the basics, though, with the standard features across all the variants including power windows, dual front speakers, roof-mounted antenna and a USB port.

The GL and GLX variants come equipped with a few additional features like remote central locking, rear AC vents, additional dual rear speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated navigation system. The GLX variant stretches the bars further with exclusive features like automatic climate control (manual AC in GA and GL variants), keyless push start-stop button and an AUX port for the audio system.

All the three variants of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid have well-differentiated audio systems – a 1-DIN dial-type player in GA, an 8-inch touchscreen in GL and a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the GLX variant. The touchscreens in GL and GLX are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Powerful AC in all three rows

Con: Several modern-day features missing in the cabin

Boot Space and Storage

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid offers a boot space of 209 litres with all three rows of seats up, which makes it one of the smallest boot compartments among all compact MPVs. Even after folding down the third-row seats, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid delivers a boot space of 550 litres, which is again slightly lesser by segment standards. However, the 550-litre boot space after folding down the third-row seats is more than enough for a compact vehicle of its size. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Usable boot space after folding down third-row seats

Con: Boot space with third-row seats up is minuscule 

Suzuki hasn’t changed the overall design of the second-generation Ertiga Hybrid since it was introduced in 2018. This makes the overall design look a little less fresh than how it should be, but the overall proportions are spot on for a compact MPV of its size. 

The front profile of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid has an angular hexagonal grille with unique-looking inverted L-shaped chrome inserts and chrome surrounds, thus adding some bling to the front fascia of the MPV. This grille has stretched wing-shaped headlamps attached to its upper edges, which come with halogen projectors within them.

The Ertiga Hybrid misses out on LED DRLs, and gets rounded halogen fog lamps within large C-shaped housings on the front bumper. The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid has a nice-looking side profile with a sharp crease flowing upwards from the front fender to the edge of the tail lamp, while also having chrome-finished door handles.

The design of the 15-inch alloy wheels also looks modern, with the Ertiga Hybrid having a floating design for the D-pillar. At the back, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid has Christmas tree-themed vertically-aligned tail lamps, with a horizontal design for the combination tail lamps at the bottom.

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is available ion colour options like Cool Black Pearl (for GA variant), Silky Silver (for all variants), Snow White Pearl (in all variants), Magma Grey (for GL and GLX variants), Mellow Deep Red (for GA, GL AT and GLX variants), Brave Khaki (for GL and GLX variants) and Burgundy Red (for GL MT variant).

Pros and cons:

Pro: Overall design looks proportionate

Cons: No modern LED elements in exterior lighting

In the tests conducted by the Automobile Association of the Philippines, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid achieved 23.54 km/L on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs on sale in the country. However, in real-life driving conditions, the Ertiga Hybrid delivers 16-17 kmpl in the city and 22-23 kmpl in highway driving conditions, which successfully brings down the running costs of the MPV.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Good fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving conditions

Con: Nothing much actually

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid shares its Heartect platform with a few other new-generation compact offerings from Suzuki, while getting Macpherson struts with coil springs at the front and torsion beam with coil springs at the rear. Like in other compact Suzukis, the suspension has a softer setup for a plush and well-balanced ride quality for both short and long-distance driving duties. 

Making the driving appeal of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid more convenient is the light steering setup, which lighter than before, and makes manoeuvering this compact MPV through the traffic-laden streets very easy. However, we do wish the Ertiga came with larger wheels and drive modes for a more engaging driving experience. 

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Comfortable ride quality

Con: No drive modes

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is the only compact MPV on sale in the Philippines to feature a 12V mild-hybrid technology for its powertrain. Offered exclusively as a petrol-only MPV, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which claims a maximum power output of 104.5 bhp and a maximum torque output of 138 Nm.

The 12V mild-hybrid system of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid includes a 0.72kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor, which generates 1.3kW power output and 50 Nm torque output. This mild-hybrid system performs functions like idle start-stop function, torque assist and brake energy regeneration, all of which enhance acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Transmission options for the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid include a 5-speed transmission for the GA and GL variants and a 4-speed automatic transmission for the GL and GLX variants. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Smooth and reliable petrol engine

Con: Automatic transmission doesn’t feel exciting

One of the least-equipped compact MPVs in the Philippines, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid covers only the basics like dual front airbags, three-point seat belts in all the three rows, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program and an engine immobiliser as standard.

The additional safety features offered in GL and GLX variants are hill hold control and reverse parking sensors, while the GLX further gets reverse parking camera as well. The Ertiga Hybrid is one of the few compact MPVs in the Philippines to not get ADAS features, even in its top-spec variant. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Dual front airbags and electronic stability program offered as standard 

Con: No ADAS features at all

Competitor Comparison

There’s a wide range of compact MPVs that can be considered as alternatives to the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, such as MG G50 Plus, Mitsubishi Xpander, Nissan Livina, Hyundai Stargazer, and Haima 7X. There are a few rugged-looking alternatives as well, such as Toyota Rush, Kia Carens, and Suzuki’s own XL-7, which is more of a stylised version of the Ertiga Hybrid.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid might appear to be a boring or unexciting vehicle to many people, especially new-generation car buyers, who might not be impressed with the simplicity of this compact MPV. However, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid scores where it matters the most – practicality, efficiency and space. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is one of the most reliable engines in its segment with a tremendous track record, while the ride quality and driveability of this compact MPV are convenient and feel mature.