Suzuki releases specs of its first EV – the e Vitara – ahead of launch

Suzuki, a well-known Japanese car maker, has been selling cars in Australia since the 1970s, with smaller petrol-powered hatchbacks, like the popular Swift, and SUVs such as the Vitara.

Now, the brand has revealed the specs of its first electric model in the Australian market, and it will come in two key variants. This model will be called the e Vitara, coming in Motion and Ultra variants.

Local pricing details are yet to be released, but over in the UK, it starts at £26,249, undercutting the more expensive BYD Atto 3, which starts at £37,705.

With that in mind, we can expect the pricing of the e Vitara to start around the $40,000 mark in Australia, when it’s expected to land later this year around June.

Suzuki Australia’s GM of Automobile, Michael Pachota said the e Vitara marks a “defining moment” for Suzuki. “It’s our first battery electric vehicle and a clear signal of how we’re evolving as a brand, whilst remaining true to the values that have always defined Suzuki – efficiency, reliability and everyday usability.

“The e VITARA represents the next chapter in the evolution of one of Suzuki’s most recognisable nameplates, combining our compact SUV heritage with advanced electric technology, modern design and the practical thinking our customers expect from Suzuki,”.

Firstly, there is the 2WD Motion variant, which is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with peak power outputs of 106 kW and 193 Nm of torque.

This variant will be a 49 kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) pack in the entry-level 2WD model, packing 344 km of WLTP range.

Then there is an AWD Ultra variant with combined power of 135 kW and 307 Nm of torque.

The powertrain can also help the car get from 0-100 km/h between 7.4 and 9.6 seconds, depending on the variant.

This top-spec variant comes with a bigger 61 kWh battery, delivering up to 395 km of range.

Both batteries can be fast charged at speeds of up to 70 kW. With this charging speed, the e Vitara can be fast-charged from 10-80% in 45 minutes.

That’s on the higher end when compared to similar EVs on the market, with most aiming for the same charge to happen in around 30 minutes.

11 kW AC charging is also on offer, helping the battery charge from 10-100% in under 6 hours for the larger 61 kWh pack.

The Ultra variant also has some additional inclusions over the Motion, including adaptive high beams, front LED fog lamps, glass roof with shade, an upgraded sound system, front heated seats and premium upholstery.

According to the specs, this SUV offering, which comes at 4.28 metres and has a tare weight that ranges 1,700 kg and 1,900 kg, making it similar to other smaller electric SUVs.

We look forward to getting behind the wheel of the iconic Japanese company’s first EV and seeing what it’s like compared to the growing number of small family electric SUVs in Australia.

E VITARA MOTION FEATURES:

• 49kWh
• FWD
• 344km driving range
• 18-inch alloys
• High Beam Assist
• RCTA
• 360 view camera
• Driving modes
• Auto headlight
• Rain-sensing wiper
• 10.25-inch digital IP
• 10.1-inch centre display with AA / CP / BT
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Front & rear USB ports
• Single-zone climate control
• Interior ambient lighting (12 colours)
• Fabric seats
• 4-speaker audio

E VITARA ULTRA FEATURES, WITH ADDITION TO MOTION SPEC:

• 61 kWh
• 395km driving range
• AWD
• ALLGRIP-e
• Adaptive High Beam
• Front LED fog lamps
• Glass roof with shade
• Infinity sound system with subwoofer
• Wireless charger
• Fabric and synthetic leather seats
• Electrically adjustable driver seat
• Front heated seats
• Premium fabric and synthetic leather upholstery

SAFETY SUITE
Safety is in e VITARA’S core, In line with Suzuki’s brand philosophy of offering all the technology you need as standard, the e VITARA will feature a comprehensive suite of comfort, convenience and safety technologies across the range, which include:

• 7 Airbags
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane departure Prevention (LDP)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBS II)
• Multi-Collision Braking (MCB)
• Front and rear parking sensors

 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Riz Akhtar

Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.