Suzuki scooter segment Suzuki Launches Hybrid Access Scooter: 60+ kmpl Mileage Claims Ignite Segment Buzz.
India (New Delhi) Suzuki Motorcycle India has finally added its new hybrid variant of the highly marketed Access scooter to the spotlight, with claims of best-in-class fuel efficiency being given. As economy in running costs increases in importance as well as comfort and performance in the day-to-day life of the rider, the Suzuki Access Hybrid is creating a positive impact among both urban and suburban commuters.
The hybrid innovation of Suzuki is highlighted when the issue of increased fuel prices is still affecting the buying habits of the two-wheeler segment in India. As commuting responsibilities of millions in the developed world are taken up with compact scooters, any increase in the mileage, and more so with the hybrid technology, may translate into a significant difference in real-world running costs.
India: A New Chapter of one of India’s highest selling scooters.
The Suzuki Access has been one of the most reputable scooters used in India and its fame is attributed to the fact that it has a smooth ride and is also practical in comparison to its brand name. It has been years of head-on competition with the other favorites in the segment that provide a trusted commuter experience when commuting to work and school or running errands on weekdays and weekends.
The introduction of hybrid system is one of the main developments of the model that will seek to go further to fuel efficiency and still preserve the features that the riders have enjoyed over the years.
Whereas full electric scooters are currently in the limelight, hybrid technology serves as a transporter - offering better mileage without the need to solely depend on charging facilities. To most riders who are used to using the conventional scooters, the hybrid powertrain technology can be seen as a compromise to both familiarity and increased efficiency.
Suzuki boasts of good mileage figures.
The core of the debate on the refined Suzuki Access hybrid is its alleged fuel efficiency - about 60.65 kmpl. This value is a combination of both the real life expectations and the controlled tests and in case it is achieved during the normal riding process then the hybrid Access would become one of the most efficient scooters of its type.
Some of the sources claim that the hybrid system in the Access streamlines the delivery of power and helps its internal combustion engine perform the tasks with where it would otherwise consume more fuel like acceleration during the requirements to cross the stop-and-go traffic in urban areas. The hybrid arrangement that Suzuki has been interested in concerning engineering is enhancement of overall system efficiency and not necessarily to add electric power.
As noted by industry analysts, the alleged mileage numbers usually reflect ideal test conditions but many riders can easily attain alleged mileage numbers when they are calmly riding without haste and at average speeds that fit in well with city traffic conditions.
To compare, scooters powered by petrol in this segment traditionally achieve mileage of 45-55 kmpl when used normally. A hybrid unit with consistent mileage of greater than 60 kmpl would lead to a significant savings on fuel costs in the long run particularly to the riders with high daily miles.
How the Hybrid System Works
The Suzuki Access Hybrid combines a small electric assist system with the conventional petrol power supply. The electric assist can assist during instances when the engine labors most it is usually during start-ups or during an acceleration, which burns less fuel through the internal combustion system.
The scooters during normal riding time spend a large percentage of the ride time accelerating after stopping so hybrid help is especially effective in stop and go traffic that characterizes much of the Indian city commute.
The petrol engine is not substituted by hybrid systems. They instead act smartly with the engine to enhance the fuel economy, by sharing workload at critical moments. This does not require huge battery packs or a widespread charging infrastructure - a major point of difference with full electric solutions to many commuters.
The engineers of Suzuki have optimized the system in a manner that does not affect the usual smoothness and ease of operation of the Access. According to riders used to the traditional Access model, the hybrid version does not lose the practicality and the comfort that the scooter offers to users.
Rider and Dealer Feedback
Initial rider and dealer reviews indicate that the fuel economy claims of the hybrid Access prompted optimism especially with the daily commuters and scooter faithful who have been recording high monthly rides.
Urban centre car dealers are reporting a lot of interest in bookings and the customers are wondering about how the hybrid technology will be transferred into real world running costs. Booking of test-ride has also increased as prospective customers would want to experience the hybrid scooter first hand on its responsiveness, control and performance.
Riders who have made early rides also report that the high kmpl numbers are not as much of a result of the technology, but rather of the riding style and the road conditions. Mellow acceleration, average speed and little hard braking tends to provide better mileage values - something that is well known by scooter riders across India.
The Flexibility between Productivity and daily Convenience.
The Suzuki Access Hybrid does not sacrifice on the features that have made the original model a favourite. Riders continue to enjoy:
Fancy city-commuting sitting position and comfortable chair.
Small item and helmets under-seat lockers.
Handling with ease and manoeuvring through traffic jams.
The CVT gearbox is a smooth type that does not need clutch or gear shifts.
The combination of these practical features and the hybrid mileage claim makes the Access hybrid a good option to the riders whose main concern is comfort, as well as, economy.
The industry observers also comment that the Suzuki strategy of integrating hybrid support with traditional convenience is indicative of the realization of the Indian riding conditions in which 100 percent electrification is still under restriction due to charging facilities and the range anxiety.