SUZUKI models fitted with the Japanese car maker's new 48-volt mild-hybrid system will be priced from £21,570 as the powertrains come on stream in the UK.

The mild-hybrid engines - which are claimed to be up to 17 per cent more economical - are being fitted to the company's Swift Sport hatch and the Vitara and S-Cross compact SUVs.

The Vitara hybrid is priced from £26,546 and the S-Cross comes in at £27,549. Both models are fitted with Suzuki's Allgrip four-wheel-drive system and come in top grade SZ5 trim.

All three mild-hybrid models use the brand's 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine mated to a 48-volt system and now include automated emergency braking as a standard feature.

The powertrain is also fitted with what Suzuki calls electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged as a further economy aid.

It operates at vehicle speeds below approximately 50mph and until engine automatic stop activates below approximately 10mph.