2016 Suzuki Solio launched in Japan - Report

Suzuki Solio gets the company's Mild Hybrid technology.

Suzuki has launched the next-generation Solio compact MPV in Japan; the current generation of the model has been in the market since the beginning of 2011. It comes in two variants - the Solio and Solio Bandit which have prices starting from JPY 1.45 million (INR 7,98,090) and JPY 1.82 million (INR 10,01,741), respectively.

The 2016 Solio is based on a new lightweight platform and measures 3710 mm, 1625 mm and 1745 mm in length, width and height respectively. The wheelbase is now 2515 mm which is an increase of 30 mm from the previous generation with the weight also going down by a commendable 100 kg.

The 2016 Solio looks like a modern minivan with boxy dimensions. It gets a wide four-slat grille, swept-back headlamps, rectangular radiator grille and circular fog lamps. The side profile gets black B- and C-pillars and sliding doors for the rear passengers. The rear has a flowing tail lamp design with a chrome strip connecting the two, as well as a tailgate-mounted spoiler.

The 2016 Solio Bandit is essentially the Solio with slight changes to the exterior and interior design and is more stylish and adventurous of the two. It gets Suzuki’s first-ever LED headlights, split grille, wide radiator grille with embedded fog lamps, and stylish 15-inch alloys. The rear receives clear lens tail light and a “aero-shape” rear bumper.

The interior of the base Solio gets a symmetrical dashboard layout, four-spoke multi-function steering wheel, Charcoal Grey seat upholstery and a centrally-mounted 7-inch infotainment system and instrument cluster as well. The chrome accents on the dash give way to Piano Black on the Bandit variant with dark purple accents applied to the black seat upholstery.

The major change is under the hood. The Solio is the first model to get Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology that works in conjunction with Suzuki Green Technology. Power is derived from the 1.2-liter K12C Dual Jet engine that puts out 89.7 bhp and 118 Nm of peak torque; the engine is mated to a CVT gearbox.

The hybrid system gets an integrated starter generator, lithium-ion battery, stop-start system and brake-energy recuperation system. The result is a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 27.8 km/l in the Japanese cycle. The Solio is available in front and all-wheel drive variants.

Several safety features can be found in the new offering such as Lane Departure Warning, dual camera brake support system, Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers behind the car, ABS and ESP.

The dual camera support system detects pedestrians and vehicles through a camera mounted in front and can apply the brakes if it detects that a collision is about to take place.

There are also reports that Suzuki is contemplating on introducing a stronger hybrid in place of the current version. This will not just be an update of the present system rather, it will be an entirely new hybrid drivetrain.

[Source: CarWatch Japan]