Lucky are those who went to the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show and saw Suzuki’s eVX Concept. Just today, Suzuki has unveiled the all-new e VITARA, their first battery electric vehicle that retains the core values of their revered model. It’s definitely built on the eVX Concept judging from the exterior but as production models are, the interior is toned down in terms of design.
“Emotional Versatile Cruiser” is the overall concept of the e VITARA built on the new HEARTECT-e platform. The new platform makes use of lightweight structure and features a spacious interior thanks to shorter overhangs on both ends. It also maximized battery capacity by redesigning the underfloor.
It has a design that exudes robustness with a sense of advanced tech, a battery-electric powertrain, and an updated ALLGRIP-e that provides Suzuki’s signature off-roading prowess and performance.
The all-new e VITARA retains the side and rear profile of the eVX Concept it was based on, while having a modified front face. The headlights are bigger and there’s a strip that connects the two, centered by the Suzuki logo. Wheels are different but feature an all-black finish, housed by the hexagonal wheel wells. The rear door also features a hidden door handle by the pillar and not on the usual spot.
The cabin reflects the “High-Tech & Adventure” theme that Suzuki went for. It’s a totally new design that features a panoramic screen housing both the digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen, a higher center console with a rotary shifter, while employing a mix of leather and cloth on the touch points.
Suzuki’s first battery-electric vehicle has an “eAxle” that integrates the motor and inverter in the all-new e VITARA, along with lithium iron-phosphate batteries. They also upgraded their iconic drivetrain to the “AllGrip-e” that has 2 independent eAxles. It gives the e VITARA the off-road capability that Suzuki is known for. There’s also Trail Mode and Limited Slip Differential function.
“The e VITARA is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers,” said Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motors. “Introduction of the e VITARA represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Following the launch of the e VITARA, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions.”
The model launched in Europe features 3 variants. The base model has a 49 kWh battery, while the higher 2WD model and top of the line 4WD has 61 kWh batteries. Power is at 144 PS (base 2WD), 174 PS (mid-2WD), and 184 (4WD), with torque numbers at 189 Nm (2WD) and 300 Nm (4WD). Estimated range is at 500 km on a single charge.
Production of the all-new e VITARA will be in India starting March 2025. It will be exported to other markets like Europe, as well as Japan with sales beginning around June 2025.
