Suzuki electrifies Vitara SUV

Anyone looking for evidence that the government’s NVES scheme is prompting manufacturers to add more low-emissions models to their lineup need look no further than Suzuki Australia, which is poised to add a full battery electric Vitara to its range, just months after launching the hybrid electric Vitara.

Suzuki has long been known as a manufacturer of small and relatively fuel-efficient cars and SUVs, but in the space of 18 months it has launched hybrid versions of the Swift small car, the Fronx small SUV, the Vitara medium SUV, and is now preparing to launch the e Vitara.

While the brand’s foray into hybridisation is exclusively mild-hybrids so far – meaning the electric motor assists the engine during acceleration and low-speed driving, but can’t operate solely on electric power like a full hybrid system can – there’s no such hesitancy around the move into EVs.

Ground-up redesign for the e Vitara

Described as being “completely new from the ground up”, the e Vitara is Suzuki’s first full-electric vehicle, and represents the evolution of one of the brand’s most recognisable nameplates, with the Vitara nameplate tracing its lineage back to the original three-door compact off-roader launched here in 1988.

The new electric Vitara introduces a bold new design direction, featuring a strong, sculpted exterior highlighted by sharp LED lighting, and aerodynamic detailing that enhances efficiency.

Inside, the e Vitara features a clean, minimalist dash design, with a floating centre console, 10.1-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver display, and ambient lighting elements throughout.

Suzuki’s first EV is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform developed in collaboration with Toyota and Daihatsu.

The result is a vehicle that is longer, wider, and taller than the ICE-powered Vitara, sitting on a longer wheelbase, which should translate to superior passenger accommodation.

Three e Vitara variants announced

The e Vitara will be offered in three distinct variants comprising:

• e Vitara Motion – 49kWh, single motor, front-wheel drive, up to 344km (WLTP).
• e Vitara Ultra (FWD) – 61kWh, single motor, up to 426km (WLTP).
• e Vitara Ultra (AWD) – 61kWh, dual motor, up to 395km (WLTP).

Motor output for the two-wheel drive variants is 106kW/193Nm, while the dual motor all-wheel drive Ultra boosts this to 135kW/307Nm.

For comparison, the rival BYD Atto 3 is front-wheel drive only, available with a 50.1kWh battery (claimed 400km WLTP range) or 60.4kWh battery (claimed 480km WLTP range), with both variants producing 150kW/310Nm.

Suzuki calls its newly developed electric four-wheel drive system Allgrip e, which utilises separate front and rear electric motors for enhanced traction and stability, as well as dedicated driving modes for everyday driving and more challenging surfaces.

LFP battery with integrated thermal management

The battery in each variant is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit with an integrated heat pump and battery thermal management system fitted as standard.

Suzuki says the heat pump plays a key role in optimising battery performance, driving range and charging efficiency in varying temperatures.

Charging times and power options

The e Vitara supports both AC and DC charging, with:

• DC fast charging: 45 minutes (10–80%).
• 11kW AC 3-phase: 5.5 hours (10–100%).
• 7kW AC single-phase: 9 hours (10–100%).

These times apply to both battery sizes.

Standard features for the Vitara Motion

The entry-level Motion includes:49kWh battery, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights with High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 360-degree camera, selectable drive modes, rain-sensing wipers, 10.25-inch digital driver display, 10.1-inch centre display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear USB ports, single-zone climate control, 12-colour ambient lighting, fabric seats, and a four-speaker audio system.

Additional Features: e Vitara Ultra

The mid-grade Ultra adds the 61kWh battery, with front- or all-wheel drive.

Additional features include: adaptive high beam, front LED fog lamps, glass roof with shade, Infinity sound system with subwoofer, wireless phone charger, fabric/synthetic leather seats, electrically adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and premium upholstery.

Standard safety features include: seven airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Forward Collision Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Multi-Collision Braking, and front and rear parking sensors.

Pricing has not yet been released for the e Vitara, which is due on-sale in June. It is expected to be priced above the current range-topping Vitara Turbo Hybrid Allgrip, which costs $45,990 driveaway.