4×4 technology is very present in Suzuki’s DNA. The Japanese brand is one of those few manufacturers – the majority Japanese – that still retain a marked industrial character, with a deep-rooted and distinctive brand “philosophy” that differentiates them from the current homogeneity.
Although it may seem like a “small” company in automotive terms, the truth is that Suzuki is close to the top 10 worldwide by sales volume, with a production of more than 3 million cars in 2023. With a large presence in India , especially, and Japan, Suzuki – which also manufactures motorcycles and engines for nautical purposes – has as key values ??in its range of models: all-wheel drive, intelligent hybridization, the “less is more” concept, sustainability, and an offer that combines technology and quality at a fair price.
Furthermore, the brand does not renounce another concept rooted in its essence: low consumption and makes available to its customers one of the most complete hybrid ranges with all-wheel drive on the market, with four models with an SUV body and spirit that cover the most segments. demanded in our country.
It offers four hybridization technologies: 12 and 48 V MHEV light hybrid, with Suzuki’s SHVS technology; as well as the Strong Hybrid alternatives: HEV and PHEV (plug-in hybrid). On the other hand, it also has three different traction systems: AllGrip Auto, AllGrip Select and E-Four. At the same time, some of its models with hybrid technology and all-wheel drive allow you to choose between manual or automatic transmission. From this variety twelve model options are born, with ECO and Zero Emissions environmental labels and versions for all tastes and pockets.
Suzuki began developing its first four-wheel drive vehicle in 1968 and that technology has become one of the brand’s hallmarks. Suzuki’s AllGrip hybrid range offers three different all-wheel drive systems, adapted to different uses and car types. The goal is to maximize the advantages that a four-wheel drive system can offer, and limit its potential drawbacks.
The Suzuki Ignis (from 20,441 euros), for example, uses the AllGrip Auto system, designed to offer hassle-free safety: it acts without the driver having to intervene. With this 4×4 viscous coupling system, engine torque is automatically distributed to the rear wheels when loss of grip is detected in the front axle. This system saves fuel while maximizing vehicle performance and increasing safety. The Ignis also has descent control and traction control (Grip Control), which is responsible for transmitting engine torque to the wheel that has the most grip, braking those that slide to improve grip.
The Suzuki Vitara (starting at 26,804 euros) and S-Cross (starting at 35,115 euros), meanwhile, use the AllGrip Select system, designed for cars that can enter more complicated terrain. This allows you to select between four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. The driver can choose the behavior of the traction system depending on the conditions and type of road surface, through a simple control located in the central tunnel, and the electronics are responsible for managing the traction. In addition, this system has the intelligent predictive control Synergetic Vehicle Dynamics Control, which anticipates possible slippage and transmits more torque to the front or rear wheels, to avoid or compensate for it.
At the top of the range is the Suzuki Across (starting at 55,376 euros), which uses the E-Four system, with an independent 40 kW (54 HP) rear electric motor that works in combination with the front combustion engine, to vary the torque distribution in a range from 100/00 to 20/80. The E-Four system also features Trail mode, an automatic differential control function that ensures the best possible grip and control when driving on slippery surfaces.
The Suzuki Ignis benefits from the 12V mild hybridization SHVS system. Thanks to this technology, the efficient 1.2l Dualjet Mild Hybrid engine with 61 kW (83 HP) and 107 Nm further reduces its consumption and emissions. Said device converts the kinetic energy generated during deceleration into electrical energy that is loaded into the battery and used by the ISG electric motor/generator to assist the combustion engine in high acceleration demands.
The Slab Vitara and S-Cross with AllGrip Select drive are available with 48V SHVS light hybridization or with the HEV Strong Hybrid system. The first not only reduces fuel consumption by 15% to 20%, but also increases driving pleasure with a vigorous response to the accelerator. The system supports the 95 kW combustion engine and provides an extra power of 10 kW.
The Strong Hybrid combines the new 1.5-liter Dualjet gasoline engine with 102 HP of power, with a 24.6 kW (33.4 HP) electric motor. The drive system is completed with an MGU (Motor Generator Unit) and the 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter (Power Back). Thanks to this, this model can reduce its consumption and emissions, and circulate in 100% electric mode for short journeys. Finally, the Across with a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) that offers 75 km of autonomy in electric mode (WLTP), without generating polluting emissions.
