This article in short:

• Suzuki enters the electric SUV market with the e-Vitara, which will be available from mid-2025.
• The car has a modern design with striking LED lighting and a panoramic display in the interior.
• The e-Vitara offers two battery options, 49 kWh and 61 kWh, and various powertrains, including front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
• The trunk is smaller than average, but the rear seat slides for more space.
• The competition is fierce, but Suzuki is aiming for a competitive price of around 35,000 euros.

Suzuki thrives as a manufacturer of lightweight, affordable, and high-quality mobility. However, Suzuki also feels the pressure to quickly and drastically reduce its overall CO2 emissions. Irwin from InstaAutoVlog was recently in Milan to get acquainted with the new Suzuki e-Vitara, a direct competitor for the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, and Volvo EX30. The e-Vitara will be available at the dealer from the middle of next year for around 35,000 euros.

Cool design

The Suzuki e-Vitara measures 4.27 meters long, 1.80 meters wide, and 1.63 meters high. Its tough appearance is aided by its 2.70-meter wheelbase and 18- or 19-inch wheels placed far on the corners. The LED lighting is striking, as is the optional two-tone color scheme. The e-Vitara is available in the new and unique color Land Breeze Green Metallic. It is also available in silver, white, gray, red, blue, and black.

Interior

Inside, the floating center tunnel immediately catches the eye, along with the panoramic display that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The steering wheel is sleekly designed with a flattened top and bottom. There are also handy features such as a wireless phone charger and a gear lever that resembles the Toyota BZ4X, which is no coincidence: the electric e-Vitara will also be marketed as a Toyota.

Space is disappointing

In the second row of seats, the car offers sufficient knee and leg room, but especially in combination with a glass roof, the headroom is really lacking. We also see no ventilation grilles, although there are two USB-C connections and the floor is flat.

For extra luggage or legroom, the rear seat can be moved in a 60/40 ratio, which is necessary. The boot space does not appear to be its strongest point. Official figures are not yet available but expect approximately 300 litres with the seat in the rearmost position. The height in particular is disappointing, although there is extra space available after removing a polystyrene tray.

The battery

The e-Vitara comes with two battery packs and three drivetrains. Standard we see a 49kWh LFP battery and a 144 hp and 189 Nm strong electric motor on the front wheels. The range is not known, although there are stories about 10-80 percent fast charging in 50 minutes.

A larger battery is also coming: 61kWh, 174 hp, and an electric motor of 189 Nm strong electric motor on the front wheels. The e-Vitara is also coming with the so-called AllGrip e-four-wheel drive. This provides an extra 63 hp electric motor on the rear axle. The combined power is then 183 hp and 300 Nm.

Weight

Despite Suzuki’s high regard for low vehicle weight, I am critical of the weight in advance. According to the first specifications, the basic model weighs a good 1700 kilograms, which is just as much as a more spacious Kia EV3. It also has a much larger battery.

Conclusion

With a showroom launch planned for mid-2025, it is hoped that the brand will launch more specifications in the meantime that can give the e-Vitara a good position in the market. Think low energy consumption and therefore a competitive range, or perhaps better charging times. Of course, this, together with the price tag, should better map out the ultimate potential.