Suzuki e-Vitara

The name "Vitara" might suggest that the "e-Vitara" is just the electric-powered version of the car that has been on the market since 2015. However, this is not the case. To maximise the benefits of electric propulsion, Suzuki has developed an entirely new platform.

The design of the bodywork is merely a further development of the original Vitara. The e-Vitara looks undeniably more modern, but without the abstract lines or futuristic look of some other electric cars.

Space

The e-Vitara is longer (+10 cm) and therefore also has a larger wheelbase (+20 cm) than the conventional Vitara. This makes for noticeably more interior space. Space in the front is good and, thanks to a high seat, the e-Vitara gives the powerful feel that comes with an SUV.

The rear seat is on rails, so depending on the situation, one can opt for more luggage space or more legroom in the rear. With the rear seats in the rear position, the e-Vitara offers enough space for four adults. The test car is fitted with a panoramic glass roof and therefore headroom in the rear is moderate. During an earlier encounter with a pre-production model, Autozine criticised the boot space. Therefore, Suzuki cleverly designed a new storage compartment under the load floor, gaining as much as 80 litres. This modified storage space is standard in most, but not all European countries.

Equipment

The interior is also merely a further development of the existing Vitara and not as revolutionary a design as some newcomers offer. The controls consist of a mix of traditional buttons (for the climate control system and the audio system) and a display. That display is relatively small, so it is not dominant in the interior. Even the display is familiar, as Suzuki does not opt for abstract or minimalist images, instead displaying conventional clocks.

The infotainment system was developed by Suzuki in collaboration with Toyota. However, it looks like it was developed in a laboratory and hardly tested on public roads. All the usual functionality is there and everything works as it should. The clearness, layout of the menus, font size and layout lag behind the average. That is why more often the own smartphone was used via Apple CarPlay (via USB-A) than the built-in system. The sound quality of the unbranded speakers is reasonable, but a bit thin.

The most annoying safety features are easily disabled. Turning off traffic sign recognition disables almost all other unwanted functions as well. Then false alarms and unjustified criticism of driving style are over. The remaining systems are dormant and make themselves heard only when necessary. And that's how it should be.

Electric car

As mentioned earlier, the e-Vitara sits on a platform tailor-made for electric cars. Therefore, batteries with a capacity of 49 kWh or even 61 kWh fit in the floor. This theoretically gives the e-Vitara a range of up to 428 km (345 km for the base version). However, the test drive took place in low temperatures on a very demanding route. Consumption therefore went up to 20.8 kWh per 100 km with a range of 363 km (61 kWh battery). Despite the fact that the e-Vitara is equipped with a heat pump, a lot of energy went into heating the battery and the cabin (which was kept at 18 degrees).

When it comes to character too, Suzuki does not opt for a revolution with the e-Vitara. Unlike many other electric cars, the e-Vitara does not have vicious or lightning-fast acceleration. That is not to say that this is a slow car! Even in eco mode, performance is more than adequate and the e-Vitara effortlessly keeps up with the flow of traffic. In sport mode, the car becomes slightly more eager and the electric motor shows more vigour.

Highway behaviour

The Vitara has made a name for itself in the past by being able to really perform off-road. And the same goes for the e-Vitara with "All Grip" all-wheel drive. The test car is equipped with front-wheel drive only and is thus limited to public roads.

To disguise the high weight of the battery, Suzuki opts for a sturdy chassis. This is very refined, though, which is why the stiff springs are not perceived as distracting. Together with the low centre of gravity, they make the car quiet and stable. The e-Vitara therefore lends itself well to city use and feels most at home on the motorway.

Conclusion

Sukukis customers are exceptionally loyal to their brand. Suzuki would like to keep it that way and therefore does not opt for a revolution with the first electric model. The e-Vitara is decidedly more modern than the conventional Vitara, but retains the same familiar character at its base.

The Suzuki e-Vitara is a fine-handling SUV, which also copes off-road depending on the chosen version. Thanks to its refined chassis, the e-Vitara lends itself ideally to driving long distances. Therefore, this is not the car of the future, but it is the electric Suzuki of today. That's how customers like to see it, so that's how Suzuku has done it.