2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid lands in Thailand, PH to get it next?

Earlier this year, Suzuki Philippines previewed the Ertiga Hybrid during the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). It essentially signaled the company's plan to offer electrified vehicles in the country.

Unfortunately, the automaker has yet to officially announce when will they actually launch it in the country. Over in Thailand, however, Suzuki has just launched the Ertiga Hybrid, making them the second country to get the electrified MPV after it was launched in Indonesia last June 2022.

Like the model previewed at PIMS 2022, the Ertiga Hybrid for Thailand comes with the Smart Hybrid powertrain. It consists of a 1.5-liter K15B four-cylinder engine that's paired with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and lithium-ion battery pack. The result is a combined system output of 105 PS at 6000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm. While it doesn't exactly get a big increase in power and torque, it now comes with fuel-saving features.

It benefits from an automatic start/stop system while idling, regenerative braking that collects kinetic energy and stores it in the lithium-ion battery pack, as well as torque-assist that delivers extra power under acceleration. Like the Indonesian-spec Ertiga Hybrid, the Thai version is mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Style-wise, it looks the same as the one previewed at this year's MIAS. It gets a new front grille, an updated taillight garnish, stylish 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, projector-style headlights, and auto-folding side mirrors. The interior also looks relatively the same apart from a slightly revised instrument cluster, new fabric seats and trim, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

With the Ertiga Hybrid now available in Thailand, it might not be long before the Philippine market gets its hand on the electrified MPV soon. The only question now is, will we see it before 2022 ends or will Suzuki hold its official reveal next year?