"Small cars big future" is Suzuki's theme at the
Tokyo Motor Show at the end of October, with its latest offering being the Swift Plug-in Hybrid. Initially at a concept stage to gauge public reaction, Suzuki's hybrid technology could apparently be a production reality in less than eighteen months. Apart from the show-piece body decals, the Swift hybrid is distinguishable from its petrol siblings by new headlights and wheels, whilst the interior features lightweight front seats.
Designed to run on electric power alone, the Swift concept also has a small petrol engine to recharge the lithium ion batteries, although there is no word on its displacement as yet. The battery pack can also be recharged by plugging into a normal household mains socket. Cleverly, the lithium ion pack is stored between the front seats saving the need to spread the batteries across the floor pan. With a range of about 20km a day on electric power alone, the Swift is better suited for town work and short commuting.
The Swift hybrid will have its work cut out though with MINI already testing its
fully electric 'E' and with other manufacturers due to show their latest hybrid technology, Suzuki's concept launch on home turf could spur the manufacturer to put the Swift hybrid into production. Watch this space...
Steven Bell - 5 Oct 2009