Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza with SHVS mild-hybrid tech not on radar

Soon after Maruti Suzuki launched its compact SUV Vitara Brezza, in India, questions about the arrival of a petrol model, AMT variant and more powerful engines have become talks of the town on several automobile forums. One of the major discussion topics is whether the SHVS mild hybrid system that Maruti Suzuki offers in the Ciaz and the Ertiga models will be added to the Vitara Brezza's powertrain. 

A report on Carwale states, citing sources, that Maruti Suzuki has no plans to introduce the SHVS mild hybrid tech in the Vitara Brezza. Such speculations have brewed because the Vitara Brezza's 1.3-litre DDiS engine is the same unit that also works in the Ciaz and Ertiga diesel models.

With the SHVS mild hybrid system in place, the Ciaz and the Ertiga return better fuel efficiency. The Vitara Brezza boasts fuel efficiency of 24.3 kmpl, which is the highest in the SUV segment. The addition of an SHVS hybrid system would have further increased the fuel efficiency.

The mild hybrid system incorporates an ISG (integrated starter generator), provides engine power assistance using the motor and achieves efficient power regeneration. It makes use of a lithium ion battery that gets charged with the help of regenerative braking. The system converts the kinetic energy of the rolling wheels into electricity for charging up the battery and a start-stop system to boost the mileage.

The current Vitara Brezza is powered by a 200 DDis 1248cc diesel engine that develops 88.5bhp at 4,000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1,750rpm. The engine comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.