e Vitara is Suzuki's first all-electric vehicle
Suzuki reveals its global strategic EV model, the e Vitara
Remember when Suzuki unveiled the eVX concept at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show a few weeks ago? Well, the production version of the concept just became a reality.
Ladies and gentlemen say hello to the Suzuki e Vitara, the brand's first production EV. Revealed recently in Milan, Italy, the e Vitara is based on the eVX concept which was first revealed last year at the Auto Expo in India.
Built with the concept of Emotional Versatile Cruiser (hence the eVX name), the e Vitara features the brand's signature compact SUV design that's complemented by advanced technology. It also has a high-tech powertrain that consists of an electric 4WD system called AllGrip-e and a newly developed Heartect-e platform specifically made for EVs.
Just like the eVX Concept, the e Vitara features muscular curves throughout its exterior. It has a distinct front fascia that's dominated by eye-catching LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. It also has a rugged front bumper and a large Suzuki logo at the center of the grille for all to see. The e Vitara also has a sloping roofline, sleek LED taillights, generous use of black body cladding, and massive 19-inch alloy wheels (18 inches on lesser variants).
Size-wise, the e Vitara measures 4275mm long, 1800mm wide, 1635mm tall, and has a 2700mm wheelbase. Also worth mentioning is the e Vitara's 5.2m turning radius and 180mm of ground clearance.
Hop inside and the e Vitara features a high-tech yet classy interior. It has an SUV-inspired design thanks to the massive aircon vents and commanding driving position. There's also a pair of digital displays on the dashboard, one serves as the instrument cluster while the other is the touchscreen infotainment system.
Giving the e Vitara some pizzaz is the two-tone leather upholstery, the two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, high gloss piano black accents, LED ambient lighting, and the faux metal accents on the door panels and aircon vents.
At the heart of the e Vitara is an efficient eAxle motor that integrates the motor and inverter, along with a lithium iron-phosphate battery pack. Suzuki claims this provides the electric crossover with nimble acceleration from a standstill and sharp acceleration in overtaking.
The e Vitara is available in 2WD and 4WD, with the latter benefiting from the previously mentioned AllGrip-e 4WD system. It features two independent eAxles at the front and rear that provide powerful performance, precise control, and excellent responsiveness. Should the going get tough, the system also comes with a Trail Mode that allows for better control over rough terrain. It works by applying the brakes to the spinning tires and distributing torque to the opposite tire via a limited-slip differential (LSD).
In terms of output, the base model 2WD will have a single electric motor that makes 144 PS and 189 Nm of torque. A 49 kWh battery pack supplies power although its estimated range has yet to be revealed. There's also a more powerful 2WD model which produces 174 PS with 189 Nm of torque but is paired with a bigger 61 kWh battery pack.
Last but not least is the 4WD variant which has a total system output of 183 PS and 300 Nm of torque. Like the mid-range 2WD, the 4WD e Vitara is also paired with a 61 kWh battery pack.
Production of the e Vitara will take place at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant in India in spring 2025. Sales are expected to begin in various countries in the summer of 2025, including markets like Europe, India, and Japan.
Perhaps the only question now is, will the Philippines be included in the not-so-distant future?
