Suzuki launches first electric car – this is what the E-Vitara looks like

Suzuki is late to the growing electric car market with the E-Vitara small car, but still. The most important information is clear at a glance.

Christopher Clausen/t-online

The Suzuki Vitara has been one of Suzuki's most famous models since the late 1980s. So it's no surprise that the Japanese used this name as the flagship of their electric attack. So far, Suzuki has largely kept a low profile on electric vehicles. One reason: The brand, which specializes in small and compact cars as well as all-wheel-drive vehicles, is a big player in its home markets of Japan and India — and besides its expensive battery technology, the brand's value is important.

With all-wheel drive, the E-Vitara can also travel in easy terrain.Image: Suzuki/Xia Yang

Little Stromer without any frills

But it now plans to launch five electric models in the compact and small car segments in Europe over the next five years. The electric Vitra is a start. It's based on the company's own Heartect-e platform for small cars, or B-segments, and has a relatively light curb weight of 1,700kg, which is also linked to the brand's efforts to reduce its ecological footprint through low weight – and cost.

The length of the E-Vitara is 4.28 meters, exactly the same as the Volkswagen Golf.Image: Suzuki/Xia Yang

Compared with its internal combustion engine predecessor, the electric Vitara has increased in every aspect. Measuring 4.28 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.64 meters high, it can accommodate five people and mainly benefits from a 20 centimeter longer wheelbase (2.70 metres).

Visually, this SUV clearly demonstrates its off-road genes. Confident edges and lines, the tall front bonnet and underbody protection elements lack the typical EV chicness, and the same goes for the interior: solid materials, a few switches and buttons and a relatively reserved instrument and display combination. Apparently, this is easy for Suzuki customers. The maximum trunk capacity is 306 liters.

A conservative interior with switches and buttons that avoids ostentation.Image: Suzuki/Xia Yang

Compact battery and long range

The maximum capacities of these two versions of cost-effective lithium iron phosphate batteries are 49 and 61kWh respectively, and the range is relatively narrow. Nonetheless, it should be able to travel 400 kilometers per charge. Suzuki is also pragmatic when it comes to charging performance: under optimal conditions, fast charging from 10% to 70% at a maximum power of 150 kW takes just 30 minutes. Three-phase charging is also possible with a power of 11 kW.

Front wheel drive and all wheel drive

While the smaller version is only available with front-wheel drive and an electric motor with an output of 106 kW/144 hp, the larger version is also available with all-wheel drive. An additional electric motor on the rear axle ensures a total output of 135 kW/183 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Top speed is 150 km/h. The electric Vitara aims to showcase its all-wheel drive prowess, especially in so-called trail mode. It takes control of the power and brings it to the gravel with a lot of traction.

Price and availability

The new model is manufactured in India. The electric Vitara will go on sale next summer and is expected to cost around 30,000 francs.

Suzuki plans to gradually expand its range of pure electric vehicles after delaying the launch of electric vehicles. The Japanese manufacturer even supports its larger partner, world market leader Toyota Motor. Just last week, Toyota announced the launch of a new model based on Suzuki's Heartect platform as an improved version of the E-Vitara.

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