Suzuki Hybrid Cars are starting to attract first-time car buyers in Indonesia.

KatadataOTO – First-time car buyers in Indonesia generally look for vehicles with low prices and capable capacity. Previously, LCGC (Low Cost Green Car) was one of the main choices.

In the midst of the electrification era, electric vehicles do not seem to be an option for first-time car buyers due to high prices and lingering concerns about charging infrastructure. However, there are other environmentally friendly alternatives that can be considered, such as mild hybrids.

The hybrid car lineup from Suzuki includes the Grand Vitara, XL7, Ertiga and Fronx. The prices of these four models are considered competitive, starting from the Rp 200 million range.

It's interesting because Suzuki's hybrid cars are still available in manual transmission variants. In many of the latest models, the MT (Manual Transmission) type has been eliminated.

Photo : KatadataOTO

With prices starting from the Rp 200 million range and various variant options, Suzuki revealed that the models sold by PT SIS (Suzuki Indomobil Sales) are starting to attract first-time buyers, including their hybrid variants.

“Currently, we have the Ertiga and XL7, and the number (of first-time car buyers) is very high. According to the data, it's at 70 percent,” said Dony Saputra, Deputy 4W Sales & Marketing Managing Director of PT SIS in Jakarta some time ago.

In addition, Dony revealed that 51 percent of Suzuki's passenger vehicle sales are contributed by the HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variants, a combination of the Ertiga, XL7, and Grand Vitara.

According to Dony, mild hybrid technology was introduced in Indonesia as one of the first steps to introduce environmentally friendly vehicles to consumers, including people in areas outside major cities.

“The maintenance methods and costs are also not much different (from conventional cars), this is what we call a first step. This year it's already 51 percent, hopefully the percentage of hybrids will be even higher,” said Dony.

Next year, Suzuki is expected to be ready to launch its newest model, which is a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), or electric car.

Photo : KatadataOTO

The newest product from PT SIS, the Suzuki Fronx, is said to have received a positive response from its introduction to its launch. Before its official debut, Suzuki claimed to have collected 10,000 wishlists or expressions of interest to buy from the public.

In this initial stage, the SGX type, as the highest variant, is predicted to contribute significantly to Fronx sales.

Over time, sales are expected to be evenly distributed across the GX and GL variants. To attract more customers, there is a Rp 10 million discount promo valid for all types, running until September 2025.