Suzuki Philippines made waves at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show last September 2022 with the unveiling of its Ertiga Hybrid.

It is the first compact, seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the country with a hybrid powertrain. The carmaker has yet to disclose the date of the model's local release.

However, if you want to know what it's like on the road, our friend Prasetyo from AutoFun Indonesia got a chance to drive the Ertiga Hybrid following its launch there on June 2022.

Here are some of the things he discovered while behind the wheel of this segment-changing MPV.

Familiar mechanicals, new tech

The Indonesian-market Ertiga Hybrid uses the same 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 engine found in the local Ertiga.

However, it has two new features that now make it a mild-hybrid vehicle: an Integrated Starter Generator and a lithium-ion battery mounted under the passenger seat. The system produces a total of 105 PS and 138 Nm of torque, which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic in Indonesia.

The Ertiga Hybrid also comes with a stop-start system that can help save fuel in the city by running systems like the air-conditioner with the engine off. While most stop-start systems are jerky because of the abrupt restarting of the gasoline engine, Suzuki has managed to make the process a lot smoother. 

The MPV starts off silently because it initially runs purely on electric power. The gasoline engine turns back on at around 1,500 RPM and the acceleration is identical to a regular Ertiga.

Driving on the road, the Ertiga Hybrid also feels just like a regular Ertiga as there have been no changes to the wheels, tires or suspension. That means a pliant ride with a bit too much body roll if you take corners too fast.

Are you tempted by the upcoming Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid? Will it be a game-changer in the compact MPV segment?