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Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled the e VITARA, marking its first all-electric SUV, at a recent event in Milan. This significant launch highlights Suzuki’s strategic entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market, developed in collaboration with Toyota and Daihatsu. The e VITARA will be available across key markets, including Japan, Europe, and India, by summer 2025, though exact pricing details are yet to be announced.
The e VITARA is based on the e VX concept shared with Suzuki and has a higher ground clearance than the hybrid Vitara. With a distance between wheels of 2,700mm and an overall length of 4,275mm, families and long-distance motorists are likely to benefit from increased interior space. While it is heavier than the hybrid model, the e VITARA has been designed for superior acceleration and is capable of traveling up to 400 km on a single charge, depending on the battery option chosen.
The exterior design integrates Suzuki’s powerful vision of the future with the features of the eVX concept, including, the protruding wheel arches at both sides of the vehicle, a low roof, and alloy wheels that are in size of eighteen to nineteen. While maintaining its rugged SUV appeal, the e VITARA’s sleek, refined look makes it well-suited for both urban and off-road adventures.
Key Features of the e VITARA
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Interior and Design
Inside, the e VITARA offers a high-tech, user-friendly cabin, with a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. As to the interior, there is a futuristic floating center console with tangible buttons combined with USB ports, as well as ergonomic climate controls. However, there is another feature where the car’s overtly aggressive ‘tough’ look is more muted, or indeed more clever: Its practicality, for an SUV that is still undeniably stylish.
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Battery and Powertrain
The e VITARA is built on Suzuki’s newly developed “HEARTECT-e” platform, specifically designed for electric vehicles in collaboration with Toyota and Daihatsu. The platform supports two battery sizes, a 49 kWh battery pack to offer the regular 200 miles range and a 61 kWh battery pack for increased range variants. The 49kWh version drives the front wheel of a 142 horsepower motor; the high-end models feature an additional dual-motor, four-wheel-drive system that works together with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP-e system for better off-road performance.
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Charging and Efficiency
With fast-charging capabilities, the e VITARA can recharge from 15% to 70% in about 30 minutes, thanks to its support for up to 150kW fast charging. This makes it possible to have a very convenient and fast turnover during long travels or schedule time constraints.
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Performance and Versatility
In addition to its urban-friendly design, the e VITARA offers robust off-road performance. The dual-motor system and the ALLGRIP- e 4 WD system offer great agility and power while the VSC, TCS, and ASC help the vehicle to maintain its balance while dealing with the tougher paths.
While the e VITARA offers spaciousness and comfort, some practical considerations may arise. The rear-seat space and the 306-liter boot capacity may not meet the expectations of customers seeking maximum luggage space or ample rear-seat legroom, especially for long journeys. It can create difficulties for the car’s tall passengers regarding the space of the boot’s floor.
What is the expected price of Suzuki e VITARA?
The e VITARA will be shared with Toyota, which will introduce its version as part of the bZ EV lineup. Production of the e VITARA is scheduled to commence in spring 2025 in India, with an estimated starting price of approximately £30,000.
Suzuki’s e VITARA is poised to revolutionize the competitive EV market by combining cutting-edge technology, practical design, and superior driving performance to cater to a wide spectrum of drivers.
