Review
This year marks the start of quite a transition for the Suzuki GB dealer network as the Japanese brand ramps up their engagement in electric vehicles, and the eVitara will be a key product for their showrooms.
It’s a fully electric compact SUV that’s set to offer competitive pricing, a high specification and a decent range, and Automotive Management was invited to try the car in prototype form, ahead of its official launch later this year.
The car is produced under Suzuki’s partnership with Toyota, with Suzuki taking the lead on development this time around. A Toyota-badged version of the car, known as Urban Cruiser, will launch later this year.
In the eVitara’s segment. it will have to compete alongside heavyweights like the Hyundai Kona and Kia EV3, as well as models like the Vauxhall Mokka and Jeep Avenger, but with its chunky styling and plastic cladding, it’s clear the eVitara is leaning closer to the SUV side of the market than most crossovers. It’s even available with all-wheel-drive.
The eVitara is a very impressive first attempt by Suzuki to crack the EV market. The key element, however, is pricing and Suzuki is yet to confirm how much the eVitara will cost. Rivals including the Ford Puma Gen-E is £29,995 and Kia’s excellent EV3 start from £32,995, so if Suzuki dealers are to have a good opportunity in selling the eVitara in volume then it’s going to need a compelling offer.
Buyers can choose from three powertrain options and two trim levels. The entry-level eVitara uses a 49kWh battery and a 144PS electric motor that powers the front wheels. It manages 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and has a range of 214 miles.
A larger 61kWh battery provides a range boost to 265 miles. It’s also a tad more powerful, with 174PS, resulting in an 8.7 second 0-62mph time.
A dual-motor all-wheel-drive option completes the line-up. It uses the same 65kWh battery, adding a second motor to the rear axle. The power increase is modest, providing a total output of 183PS, but torque is up by more than 100Nm. The all-wheel-drive car is the most potent, managing 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds. Total range is 246 miles.
While the eVitara is only offered with an electric powertrain, parts of its platform are derived from existing models. This means the packaging isn’t quite as tight as it is on something like the Kia EV3, but there is a decent amount of passenger space in a tidy and well-built cabin.
Boot space is limited, despite a sliding rear seat bench, however. Buyers will get 244 litres if the rear seat is all the way back and up to 311 litres with it all the way forward.
The dashboard features a new infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It packs in all the usual features such as Apple Car Play, Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat-nav. The user interface is easy to use and has decent graphics.
Suzuki opted to retain a reasonable array of physical switchgear, so common functions like audio volume, cabin temperature, window defrost and drive modes are controlled with buttons rather than via the screen.
On the road the Suzuki eVitara is a smooth riding, well-balanced compact SUV, with well weighted steering and plenty of grip.
During our testing the single motor car was just about managing 3.0mi/kWh, while the dual motor returned 2.8mi/kWh. That’s not enough to crack 200 miles in either model.
Charging speeds are reasonable at up to 150kW, but not class leading. Suzuki says a 10% - 80% charge will take 45 minutes with either battery size. AC charging is possible at up to 11kW.
