New Suzuki 1.2 L Hybrid Engine Delivers Up To 174 Bhp – Details

From affordable hybrids for small cars to a 174 bhp plug-in system, Suzuki’s electrification programme covers multiple vehicle categories

Suzuki’s Technology Strategy Briefing 2026 in Japan has provided a closer look at its next-generation hybrid powertrains. The programme includes a 48V hybrid for mini vehicles, a 1.2-litre series hybrid for compact cars, an externally rechargeable REEV Light and a more powerful turbocharged plug-in hybrid.

Affordable Hybrid Technology For Mini Cars

Suzuki’s proposed 48V P2 hybrid system combines a 660cc engine with a 10 kW motor-generator and a 0.4 kWh battery. Developed for Japanese kei vehicles, it uses a geared connection between the engine and motor-generator to improve power transfer during assistance and energy recovery.

The aim is to improve fuel economy and acceleration while keeping the system compact and affordable. Suzuki quotes approximately 15% lower CO2 emissions against its stated 2022 comparison. In Maruti Suzuki’s Indian sales classification, Alto and S-Presso occupy the mini segment. Cars of their size illustrate where affordable electrification could eventually fit.

Swift, Dzire And Baleno-Sized Cars Could Benefit

For compact vehicles, Suzuki has displayed a series hybrid using a 1.2-litre Z12E engine. Its specification card lists engine output of 60 kW and 108 Nm, paired with a 61 kW generator and a 65 kW traction motor. Battery capacity is listed at 0.6 kWh.

The petrol engine generates electricity while the traction motor drives the wheels. Owners would retain the convenience of refuelling without needing external charging. Suzuki identifies this as a 65 kW-class system, equivalent to approximately 87 bhp power segment cars.

Swift, Dzire and Baleno provide relevant Indian examples for this technology. Their mix of city commuting and longer journeys could suit a motor-driven hybrid focused on efficiency. Suzuki’s compact-car hybrid comparison indicates approximately 29% lower CO2 emissions against its stated 2022 baseline.

More Powerful Plug-In Hybrid For Larger Applications

A separate series-parallel PHEV combines a 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo engine with an electric drive system. Its 130 kW-class system output translates to approximately 174 bhp. The output figure applies to the complete hybrid system, rather than the petrol engine alone.

Unlike the series-only configurations, this architecture allows the engine and electric drive to contribute to propulsion through different operating modes. A system of this performance level could be relevant to vehicles in the Grand Vitara size class or future larger SUVs. However, Suzuki has not confirmed those applications.

REEV Light Adds Plug-In Capability

Suzuki plans to extend its series-hybrid approach through REEV Light. This configuration retains a 1.2-litre engine and series architecture, while adding external charging and an appropriately sized battery. Its listed system output is in the 85 kW class, equivalent to approximately 114 bhp. Owners could charge for electric driving, with the engine generating electricity when required.

Alternative Fuels Could Strengthen India Relevance

Suzuki’s 1.2-litre series-hybrid engine programme also includes compatibility with fuels up to E100, alongside CNG and compressed biogas (CBG). This could align with India’s push towards higher ethanol use and flex-fuel vehicles, extending beyond the current E20 approach.

The CNG/CBG capability adds another connection. As covered in our earlier reporting, the government’s GOBARdhan scheme aims to expand domestic Bio-CNG production. Purified Bio-CNG can supplement conventional natural gas supplied through the CNG network.

Further more, Suzuki’s lightweight engineering programme could complement these new hybrid powertrains. The company is working towards weight savings of around 100 kg in future kei-car development, partly offsetting the extra weight of new technology and safety requirements. If related measures extend to other models, lower vehicle weight could improve acceleration, power-to-weight ratios and fuel efficiency, while potentially extending electric driving range in plug-in variants.

Source – Motor Fan JP, Yawar