Suzuki e-Vitara EV Enters the Electric Vehicle Market with Robust Features
Suzuki's Vitara has long been a dependable fixture on British roads, known for its unflashy reliability and genuine off-road capability. Now, the brand introduces its first dedicated electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, marking a significant transition from combustion engines to electric powertrains. This new model aims to carve out a niche in the competitive small electric SUV segment with its unique blend of heritage and innovation.
First Impressions and Design Evolution
When Suzuki celebrated 50 years of four-wheel-drive heritage with the 48V hybrid in 2020, the automotive landscape was already shifting. The e-Vitara emerges as Suzuki's inaugural EV, boasting a handsome road presence that distinguishes it from the uniformity of many electric vehicles. Its design retains the classic, boxy shape but updates it with modern elements like sharp three-point LED lights and a clean grille, giving it an aggressive yet sophisticated look.
Chunky matte-black cladding along the sides suggests durability, while sharp body lines keep the design contemporary. The cabin represents a leap forward for Suzuki, featuring a mix of high-quality soft-touch surfaces and harder plastics. Technology is centered around a 10.25-inch driver display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, with robust physical controls for core functions to reduce driver distraction, aligning with new Euro NCAP protocols.
Value, Practicality, and Off-Road Capability
Suzuki continues its tradition of keen pricing and generous equipment with the e-Vitara. Buyers can choose between 49kWh and 61kWh battery packs in Motion or Ultra trim levels. The standout feature is the AllGrip-e system, offering genuine off-road ability rare in small electric SUVs. A dedicated "Trail" mode brakes slipping wheels and directs torque to wheels with grip, making it easy to navigate challenging terrain.
Even the base Motion trim includes a heat pump, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Suzuki backs this EV with confidence through a service-activated warranty extendable to ten years or 100,000 miles. Practicality is strong with sliding and reclining 60:40 split rear seats, though boot capacity drops to 244 litres on all-wheel-drive variants, expandable to 562 litres with seats folded.
On-Road Performance and Range Considerations
Behind the wheel, the e-Vitara feels composed and stable, with a high driving position for excellent visibility. Acceleration is brisk, achieving 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, and it handles well on country roads despite slight body lean in corners. The steering is responsive, making it stable at high speeds and manoeuvrable in urban settings, while the suspension provides a comfortable ride that absorbs potholes effectively.
However, range is a concern. The 61kWh front-wheel-drive version has a WLTP figure of 264 miles, but the all-wheel-drive test model dropped to around 250 miles, with real-world usage averaging 2.8 miles per kWh for approximately 170 miles. Cold, wet weather exacerbated this, and competitors often manage better in similar conditions. Charging speeds are relatively slow, taking about 40 minutes on a rapid charger to reach 80%.
Safety Features and Overall Verdict
The e-Vitara comes equipped with a high level of standard safety features, including Dual Sensor Brake Support, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Adaptive Cruise Control. With its eye-catching styling, bulletproof reliability, and genuine off-road ability, the Suzuki e-Vitara offers much to appeal to buyers in a class dominated by two-wheel-drive models, especially with its sensible warranty.
The trade-off lies in its limited real-world range and slower charging speeds, which may induce range anxiety on longer journeys. Overall, it represents a solid entry into the EV market, blending practicality with off-road prowess.
Factfile
- Model: Suzuki e-Vitara Ultra ALLGRIP
- Price: £37,799
- Mechanical: 181bhp, 61kWh battery with twin electric motors driving all wheels via automatic transmission
- Max Speed: 93mph
- 0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
- Combined Range: 245 miles (WLTP)
- Insurance Group: 28
- CO2 Emissions: 0g/km
- BIK Rating: 3%
- Warranty: 3 years/62,000 miles (extendable to 10 years with annual servicing by a Suzuki dealer)
