Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept
by Xavier Navarro on Oct 2nd 2009 at 7:28PM 
2010 Suzuki Swift hybrid plug-in concept - Click for high-res image gallery
The Suzuki Swift is a competent subcompact that the Japanese marque sells both in Japan and Europe. In the latter, the little hatchback is available with a solid 1.3-liter diesel dubbed DDIS. To make things even cleaner, Suzuki has announced that it will introduce a plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, and the powertrain reminds us of nothing less than a smaller Chevrolet Volt.
The model, which is just a concept at this point, uses a 660 cc engine, probably sourced from a kei car. The engine charges the lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats – we suspect they extend into the middle of the rear seat as well. The batteries power a 54 kW motor that moves the front wheels.
We'll learn more when we get to Tokyo, but for now, check out our high-res gallery below.
Gallery: Suzuki Swift plug-in hybrid
[Source: Suzuki]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CarPictures.com 7:50PM (10/02/2009)
Many Americans don't yet know that there are diesel cars running around Europe that get better gas mileage than our hybrids. With Audi and Peugeot dominating Le Mans racing with diesel power, the word is getting out. Now Volkswagen and Audi are releasing more clean (and quiet) diesel models in the U.S. The Golf GTD is one of the first diesels I've actually desired.
As for hybrids, I used to think they were a fad, but now that they're selling in mass quantities (10,984 Prius sales last month), automobile manufacturers are attacking the market aggressively. As technological advance shrinks component size, hybrids will become more usable. Until then, the added cost, unremarkable fuel efficiency and sacrifice in performance results in a net negative.
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unni 8:59PM (10/02/2009)
Diesel is also a form of oil and it comes from middle east. I cant be hungry and drive the car ( saying on diesel from corn )
Second is in America NOx emission standards are higher than Europe
I have driven some diesel cars in past and i was never impressed on the drive - i think with some new technology its changed.
Read some things more : http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/report-diesel-emissions-the-main-cause-of-3000-deaths-per-year/
The HCCI is also on the way : this makes gas engines work like diesel ( so high MPG )
Electricity is produced locally and not imported.
The need is we have to get out of Oil and find something is locally producible and renewable.
On Swift (even regular one ) : I wonder when this is going to be NA.
jeff 3:44AM (10/03/2009)
A plug-in series hybrid is nothing like your prius that gets "unremarkable" fuel economy. At this point, you're stepping into the realm of zero gallons per mile for a good portion of daily driving. A plug-in series hybrid is what GM likes to call an extended range EV, it's essentially an electric vehicle with a small generator to keep you going once the all-electric range is used up. Its the smartest solution given that a pure BEV with a practical range would simply cost far too much. This concept, just like the Volt, has just enough batteries to offer gas-free driving for the majority of daily trips, and for the occasional drive beyond ~40 miles, instead of going with a $20K battery pack to offer 100 miles of range, it sticks in an engine/generator that probably costs at most $5000 that'll let you drive for as long as you can find gas stations.
Anthony 8:01PM (10/02/2009)
So... when will we be getting just the regular swift? That would be nice... My SX4 is getting old.
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burninblubber 2:34AM (10/03/2009)
I'm totally with you. I've been waiting for the swift to come to the US for years.
fmwso 3:16AM (10/03/2009)
I second that. This car is sweet and should've have come here a long time ago.
James 11:34AM (10/03/2009)
I third that...it's coming for the 2011 model yr.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/report-u-s-market-suzuki-swift-still-on-track-for-2011-next-g/
And spy shots:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/spy-shots-2011-suzuki-swift-will-we-get-it/
Make mine a Swift Sport.
Luso 6:40AM (10/03/2009)
"...lithium-ion batteries, which are placed between the front seats..."
JCI also chose that location for its "re3" concept car. Why not use a sandwich floor approach? Price?
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amitzr1 1:07PM (10/03/2009)
anyone else notice the Nissan headlights.......
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