Grand Vitara SHVS (Mild-Hybrid):
In terms of hybrids, the mild hybrid system is one of the most basic systems as it does not enable the car to run on electric only. The features and capabilities of mild-hybrid systems are more helpful in their usefulness. Common features of mild-hybrid systems include engine auto on/off and regenerative braking and coasting, and the Grand Vitara has them.
Maruti Suzuki first brought mild-hybrid technology to the Ciaz sedan in 2015. The SHVS mild hybrid system has an additional battery pack where it supplies energy for various functions and an integrated starter motor that assists the petrol engine during initial startup. This improves efficiency because ICE engines are least efficient at low rpm. It also has a brake regeneration feature that further enhances fuel-efficiency and generates energy to be stored in the hybrid system’s battery pack. Combined together, the system allows the car to be more fuel-efficient at minimal cost.
The Grand Vitara SHVS will be powered by a 1.5-litre K15C engine. The conventional four-cylinder engine produces 103 PS of power and 135 Nm of torque. It also incorporates Suzuki’s Dual Jet technology for better fuel efficiency that delivers 21.11 kms to 1 liter of petrol.
Grand Vitara Self-Charging Hybrid:
The Grand Vitara self-charging hybrid will have both an ICE engine and an electric motor, similar to the EV. The 1.5-litre TNGA Atkinson Cycle three-cylinder engine produces 92 PS of power and 22 Nm of torque, which goes up to 115 PS when combined with the electric motor. Consequently, the self-charging Grand Vitara is expected to offer a claimed fuel-efficiency of 27.97 kmpl.
Self-charging technology borrowed from Toyota also comes with regenerative braking. The kinetic energy is converted and stored in a standby battery pack, however, battery packs are much larger than mild-hybrid and often take up some internal space and also add cost.
The electric-only range of the Grand Vitara will be in the middle of single digits, but by providing consistent assist, it will enable significantly higher fuel-efficiency than a similar petrol vehicle. Also, a robust-hybrid system can completely shut down the petrol engine when not needed. In the use case, when a hybrid vehicle needs to start moving, it can do so under its own electrical power alone. It can also cruise at city speed for short distances in full electric mode without the aid of an ICE engine.
Atkinson bicycle engines are ideal for self-charging hybrids as they offer less power at low speeds but shorter intake strokes (where electric motors assist) increase fuel efficiency and at higher speeds with full length extension strokes Squeeze fuel for maximum efficiency. Since the system operates automatically, the driver need not worry about which drive mode they should select for maximum efficiency. what’s more? The self-charging hybrid drivetrain also comes with an 8-year or 1,60,000 km warranty.
Cosmetic contraindications to consider:
It’s not just the difference between a mild-hybrid and a self-charging hybrid that a Grand Vitara buyer would need to consider. Reports suggest that there will be some cosmetic differences in the inner packaging as well to differentiate one from the other. The self-charging hybrid is likely to offer all-black interior at a premium and other gadgets like ventilated seat, wireless charger, HUD and puddle lamp. However, the buyer’s decision is likely to come down to the fact that while the self-charging hybrid will have lower running bills, will the self-charging hybrid justify the hefty premium that is likely to come over the mild-hybrid?
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