Thread Starter
#1
Suzuki Motor Corporation took a giant leap into the electric vehicle segment by unveiling the e Vitara. The EV SUV is the production-ready version of the eVX EV concept that was showcased at the Auto Expo in January 2023 and at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2023. The e Vitara will have its hands full as it will lock horns against the MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, its arch-rival and soon-to-be-launched Hyundai Creta EV and the all-new Mahindra BE 05.
Production will commence at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India in spring 2025, with sales expected to begin in various countries, including Europe, India, and Japan, around summer 2025.
Suzuki calls the new design philosophy High-Tech & Adventure which combines the solid and robust set-up of an SUV along with the state-of-the-art technology from the world of BEVs. Based on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, the e Vitara is 4,275 mm, 1,800 mm in width, 1,635 mm in height and a ground clearance of 180 mm.
The e Vitara will be available for two-wheel-drive and an electric 4WD or as Suzuki calls it AllGrip-e. The Japanese automobile company has developed a brand new architecture, the Heartect-e for battery electric vehicles. According to Suzuki, it is a lightweight structure, with high-voltage protection, and a spacious interior due to the short overhang
Speaking about the cabin, it’s a dual-tone colour combination with dark grey inserts on the door panels and around the air condition vents. It sports a two-spoke steering wheel, a massive floating screen that features the infotainment system and a digital driver’s console. The centre console has physical climate control buttons, a volume controller, an electronic parking brake with an auto hold function and multiple drive modes. The AllGrip-e version gets additional features like Trail mode and hill descent control. In terms of safety, the e Vitara will get an ADAS suite.
The new Heartect-e platform is manufactured along with Toyota and consists of an eAxle that integrates the motor and inverter, along with the lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. It is designed to offer quick acceleration from a standstill and for overtaking from low to high speeds.
The e Vitara will be available in two battery options — 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The former is only available in 2WD while the latter is available in both 2WD with a single motor and the AWD with twin motors on each axle. The 49 kWh has an output of 142 bhp and 189 Nm of torque while the single motor 61 kWh produces 172 bhp and 189 Nm. The top-of-the-line AWD mode churns out 181 bhp and 300 Nm.
Financial Express