In a first delivery, I already told you about all the changes in equipment, technical data, competition, prices and versions of the new Suzuki Ertiga 2023; Then I leave you a link with all the information. In this second installment, I am going to tell you primarily about our driving impression and what Booster Green technology refers to.
See: Suzuki Ertiga 2023 arrives in Mexico.
Suzuki Ertiga Booster Green 2023: What is Booster Green?
Booster Green is the term Suzuki uses to refer to what is commonly known as Mild-Hybrid technology.
What is new in this multipurpose vehicle from the Japanese firm is the addition of a 12 volt electric generator that provides assistance to the 1.5 L four-cylinder gasoline engine with 103 Hp, which incidentally did not receive any change, more than what we told you before.
What this electric generator does is the following:
- When the car is parked, it gives a thrust (hence the name booster) of up to 36 Lb-ft at startup, the brand’s specialists told us that the average is 25 Lb-ft.
- The boost does it, up to 60 Km/ and below 4,000 laps.
- It grants a second push for around 80 km/h, to facilitate the work of joining expressways.
- When the car is parked at a stop, for example, it allows the gasoline engine to turn off, and at the same time certain functions such as the air conditioning, for example, remain working.
With this assistance provided by the electric generator, Suzuki points out that the Ertiga 2023 can offer better consumption and since we are talking about it, combined performance is 18.3 Km/l. It is not specified if it is with an automatic or manual gearbox, but we assume that it is with the second.
It should be noted that the electric generator is powered by a lithium ion battery and it is recharged by the regenerative braking it has.
Suzuki Ertiga Booster Green 2023: The driving route
We drove from Playa del Carmen to the city of Mérida, we populated. We make two stops along the way, at the Ik-Kill cenote and the town of Izamal.
We traveled a total of 352 km, the route included free roads, two-way, one lane. The road was paved all the time, a lot of straight lines and few curves. Nothing sinuous. Of course, potholes, holes or deformed roads were not lacking, a situation that helped us measure the performance of the suspension.
The tour is done in 10 hours, this includes the stops mentioned as the time to eat food. We start with a full tank and arrive at our destination with a little over half a tank, we calculate an approximate yield of 16 Km/l (not bad for an automatic gearbox and beware, this is not an accurate measurement).
We tell you all this, so that you can get an idea of how long we handled and lived with the Ertiga, as well as where we took it.
Suzuki Ertiga Booster Green 2023: Handling
At the wheel of this new Ertiga 2023, the intervention of the electric generator occurs between the first and second changes, you have to be very perceptive to be able to notice it. When accelerating, this MPV moves very smoothly and doesn’t feel heavy. Sure, the scenario will change a bit traveling with 7 passengers. In speed recoveries, it does so progressively, so it does not disappoint.
There is the option of a five-speed manual, but we drive the automatic with four gears. This has a decent behavior, although the changes are very long. We think a box six would be a better bet, even for improved fuel economy.
Since it is a vehicle designed for the family, the suspension setting is high to get rid of bumps like holes, without problem; but at the same time it provides good ride comfort, while filtering out imperfections.
The steering is compliant, comfortable in traffic, but not as reliable at high speeds for cornering. It feels somewhat shallow.
Suzuki Ertiga Booster Green 2023: Our point of view
We believe that the behavior of this new Ertiga 2023 is acceptable, it gives you enough to move with ease in any driving situation. It is spacious and versatile, it has the basic elements to travel comfortably.
Although it is not a big leap in terms of environmental protection and fuel savings. The integration of a Mild-Hybrid technology is applauded, as well as the benefits that this entails.
Let’s hope to see how it goes in sales, because in price it is located above Avanza, the leader in the MPV segment. Perhaps the Booster Green will help reduce the perception of cost-benefit with potential buyers, we will have to wait.
Tell us what you think of this renewed truck? and we invite you to see the photo gallery and the attached video
