Suzuki's Smart Hybrid system (SVHS) uses an electric motor called an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), working alongside Suzuki's efficient petrol engine to help improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
The ISG is powered by a lithium-ion battery that assists the engine on take-off and acceleration, and recharges as the car decelerates and brakes.
While cruising the stored energy in the battery helps power all of the additional electrical systems like the infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, and other electrical components of the car.
Features of Suzuki's Smart Hybrid technology include:
Regenerative braking
As you brake or decelerate, the Regenerative Braking function converts the unused kinetic energy, and stores it within the dual battery set up to assist motor functions such as Engine Stop Start and Engine Assist.
Self-charging function
The system checks the charge status of the normal battery and lithium-ion battery as you drive, recharging them as needed through regenerative braking.
Engine Auto Stop Start
When you are stationary and idling, such as at traffic lights, the engine automatically stops*, saving you fuel as the ISG powers the electrical systems. To get going, the ISG functions as a starter motor when you press the accelerator, reducing fuel consumption and enhances fuel efficiency. The Engine Stop Start system uses a belt drive to silently and smoothly restart the engine, compared to the sound of connecting gears of the conventional starter motor.
* Provided certain conditions are met. See the owner's manual for more information.
Engine assist
On take-off and acceleration while driving, the SVHS helps supress high fuel consumption by providing electric motor assist using the electricity generated through regenerative braking.
Torque-fill control & boost
In the Vitara and S-Cross Hybrid, the torque-fill control makes accelerating easier by instantly adding torque from the electric motor to the engine torque to compensate for engine response delays.
Torque boost smooths out acceleration by adding assisted power from the electric motor until the BoosterJet turbocharger kicks in.
Powering electrical components
As the vehicle is driving, the ISG supplies power to all of the electrical components of the car, including infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, dashboard display, lighting systems, windscreen wipers, heated seats, power steering, electric windows, safety features and electronic engine components.
Hybrid battery care
If you are storing your hybrid vehicle, it is recommended to restart and drive your vehicle for more than 30 minutes at least once every four weeks to recharge the battery and avoid draining the lithium-ion battery flat.
Take care to ensure the ignition is turned completely off when your vehicle is unattended for an extended time, as leaving it ON or in ACC mode can drain the battery to a level where it cannot recover.
Whether your style is cruising through the city blasting tunes, getting the adrenalin pumping off-road, or taking it easy breezy on the open highway, Suzuki has a hybrid vehicle (HEV) for you. With self-charging, fuel-saving Smart Hybrid technology you'll always be ready to go — wherever your journey may take you.
