The Suzuki Vitara has been one of Suzuki’s best-known models since the late 1980s. It is therefore not surprising that the Japanese are using this name as a flagship for their electric offensive. Suzuki has so far kept a low profile on the subject of e-mobility. One of the reasons: The brand, which specializes in small and compact cars as well as four-wheel drive vehicles, is a big name in its home market of Japan and in India – and there other values count than the expensive battery technology.
Small electric car without frills
But now, five battery-electric models in the compact and small car segment are planned for Europe over the next five years. The electric Vitara is the first. It is based on the group’s own Heartect-e platform for vehicles in the B segment and is comparatively light at 1,700 kilograms when unladen, which is also related to the brand’s efforts to reduce its ecological footprint through low weight – and also costs.
At just 4.28 meters, the E-Vitara is exactly the same length as a VW Golf.Image: Suzuki/Xia Yang
Compared to its combustion engine predecessor, the electric Vitara has grown in all dimensions. At 4.28 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.64 meters high, it offers space for five people, who benefit in particular from the 20 centimetres longer wheelbase (2.70 metres).
Visually, the SUV openly displays its off-road genes. Confident edges and lines, a high front hood and an underbody protection element do without the typical electric car frills, as does the interior: a combination of robust materials, a few switches and buttons and a comparatively understated display duo for instruments and infotainment should apparently make the switch easy for the Suzuki clientele. The trunk has a maximum capacity of 306 liters.
A conservative interior with switches and buttons that avoids gimmicks.Image: Suzuki/Xia Yang
Compact batteries, long range
With a maximum capacity of 49 and 61 kWh respectively, the two versions of the inexpensive LFP batteries are relatively small. Nevertheless, ranges of 400 km per charge should be possible. Suzuki also remains down-to-earth when it comes to charging power: under optimal conditions, rapid charging from 10 to 70 percent takes 30 minutes with a maximum of 150 kW. Three-phase charging is also possible with a similarly down-to-earth 11 kW.
front- and all-wheel drive
While the smaller version is only available in combination with front-wheel drive and an electric motor with 106 kW/144 hp, the larger version is also available with all-wheel drive. An additional electric motor on the rear axle then provides a total output of 135 kW/183 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. The top speed is 150 km/h. The electric Vitara is intended to demonstrate its all-wheel drive talents primarily in the so-called trail mode. It doses the electric power and is intended to bring it to the gravel with plenty of traction.
Price and availability
The new model will be manufactured in India. The electric Vitara will be launched next summer at an estimated price of around 30,000 Swiss francs.
After the delayed start of e-mobility, Suzuki plans to gradually expand its range of battery-electric vehicles. The Japanese manufacturer is even lending support to its larger partner, world market leader Toyota. Just last week, Toyota announced a new model on Suzuki’s Heartect platform as a modified version of the E-Vitara.
