Review: Suzuki e Vitara

Manufacturers are accelerating their shift to electrification, launching a wave of new EVs in quick succession. Suzuki may be a relatively late arrival to the party, but the e Vitara marks an important milestone as its first fully electric model.

Despite sharing a name with the petrol-powered Vitara, the e Vitara is an entirely new vehicle. It’s built in India and uses a Chinese-supplied battery from BYD.

We tested the four-wheel-drive Allgrip version. While it’s not designed for serious off-roading, the additional traction provides welcome reassurance in poor weather or when tackling muddy country lanes.

Two trims are offered — Motion and Ultra — with a choice of two battery sizes. The 49kWh version produces 142bhp, while the larger 61kWh battery delivers 172bhp in Motion specification or 236bhp in the range-topping Ultra.

Standard equipment on the Motion is generous, including a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, navigation, smartphone connectivity and a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Prices start at £26,249 for the Motion, rising to £32,049 for the Ultra as tested.

The Ultra ups the ante with a second motor for extra punch, along with a crisp 360-degree camera that makes parking effortless, a panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, adaptive headlights (occasionally overzealous in practice) and an upgraded sound system.

As expected, most functions are accessed via the central touchscreen. Thankfully, key controls such as fan speed, air conditioning and volume retain physical knobs and switches beneath the screen. The menu structure is intuitive, though the interface can feel slightly sluggish at times.

Charging times depend on the equipment available. Suzuki quotes nine hours for a 10–100 per cent charge using a 7kW home wallbox, and as little as 45 minutes to go from 10–80 per cent on a DC rapid charger.

Official range is up to 245 miles, though winter conditions — with heating, heated steering wheel and wipers working overtime — can see that figure dip comfortably below 200 miles.

Inside, the e Vitara feels noticeably more premium than previous Suzuki models, with plenty of soft-touch materials and solid build quality throughout. It seats five adults comfortably, with excellent visibility for the driver and generous rear legroom. The rear bench slides and splits 40/20/40 — a practical touch that allows longer items to be loaded without sacrificing passenger space.

Boot capacity is modest at 238 litres, and the loading lip is relatively low. Sliding the rear seats forward increases space to 306 litres, while folding them expands capacity to 562 litres.

On the road, the ride is comfortable, steering is sharp and precise, and the tight turning circle makes it easy to manoeuvre. Performance is brisk and smooth, with 0–62mph dispatched in 7.4 seconds.

For loyal Suzuki customers considering the switch to electric, the e Vitara could prove a compelling first step into EV ownership.

Specification

Suzuki eVitara Ultra AllGrip-e

Price as tested: £37,799

Engine: 61kWh battery

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 307Nm

Transmission: single-speed electric

Top Speed: 93mph

0-62mph: 7.4 seconds

Range: 245 miles (combined)

CO2 emissions: 0g/km