At the start of the year, we already received insider information about the XL7 Hybrid and its eventual arrival in the country.

During the launch of the 2023 Ertiga Hybrid, an anonymous source within Suzuki Philippines shared with us that the electrified version of the XL7 is set to make its debut in the country this year. No exact timeline has been revealed so far although it might be revealed before the year ends.

Today, we received new information that Suzuki Philippines has already secured approval for a new passenger vehicle with an engine displacement of 1462cc. A quick check of the numbers and the engine in question is actually the 1.5-liter K15B four-cylinder engine which is also seeing use in the Ertiga Hybrid.

The 2024 XL7 Hybrid officially launched in Indonesia last month is powered by the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS). It has a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's assisted by an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 12V lithium-ion battery pack. The result is a total system output of 105 PS and 138 Nm of torque.

What makes this rugged MPV better are the fuel-saving technologies like auto start/stop while idling, regenerative braking that helps gather lost energy to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack, and torque assist that helps deliver faster acceleration while under load.

Since both the Ertiga Hybrid and XL7 Hybrid are produced and sourced from Indonesia, we might not have to wait long for its big reveal in the Philippines.

Which of the electrified MPVs do you prefer, the Ertiga Hybrid that's been on sale in the country since January 2023, or the soon-to-revealed XL7 Hybrid that could soon be launched in the country?