Suzuki Launches the New e-Vitara

Suzuki has finally taken a significant step in the electric vehicle market with the launch of its first electric model, the eVitara. This release coincides with the fifteenth anniversary of the Nissan Leaf successfully introducing electric vehicles to budget-conscious buyers. While many automakers have scaled back their electric vehicle plans, Suzuki bravely faces the challenge, showcasing its commitment to this new electric model. eVitara, despite carrying the Vitara name, bears little resemblance to the nine-year-old combustion version. It is based on the eVX prototype unveiled last year, built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e EV platform, retaining the prototype’s boxy wheel arches, slim front grille, and high window line. Measuring 4275 mm in length, the vehicle is 100 mm longer than the current Vitara, and its 2700 mm wheelbase is 200 mm larger, providing more spacious accommodation for passengers. The base model comes with a 49 kWh battery and a 142-horsepower front motor, while upgrading to a larger 61 kWh battery boosts power to 172 horsepower, with torque remaining at 190 Nm, although range figures have yet to be disclosed. Opting for the larger battery also opens the possibility for all-wheel drive, adding a 64-horsepower motor to the rear axle, resulting in a total system power of 181 horsepower with a peak torque of 300 Nm. The interior design is surprisingly upscale, featuring a sleek glass panel that covers two-thirds of the upper dashboard, integrating a digital gauge cluster and a central touchscreen. Suzuki claims the cabin features a "strong coating" to reflect a theme of "high technology and adventure." The vehicle is equipped with Suzuki’s Allgrip-e system, which includes a Trail mode that uses brakes to simulate the operation of a traditional limited-slip differential. eVitara will enter production at Suzuki's factory in India in spring 2025, with sales to Europe, India, and Japan commencing in the summer. The same plant will also produce a Toyota version of the SUV, which has yet to be unveiled but was previously shown in a city SUV model last year.