Suzuki may have come late to the world of EV motoring; however their e-Vitara is one which will please many; an affordable and well-appointed SUV which is both confident on and off road.
I recently had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Ultra ALLGRIP-e; which employs a 61kWh battery and offers reasonable performance, rest to 100kph (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 150kph (93mph); this I feel will suit the needs of most. I should point out that there is also a 49kWh battery On to the hot topic of range, always a question which I get when I have an EV on test; with this Suzuki expect to average in the region of 400km (250 miles); again this should satisfy most owners. The styling of the e-Vitara I must admit has lots of appeal it is chunky and there is a newly developed Heartect-e platform which has been specially designed and developed for BEVs. The ALLGRIP-e dual motor 4WD system is optional on the Motion and Ultra grades.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Irish press launch of the e-Vitara which was staged in the Powerscourt Estate where there was the opportunity to try the newcomer off road. However my regular driving partner James Mc Cauley on new vehicle press launches was there and this was his comment; “Powerscourt demesne provided a challenging off-road route and conformation of Suzuki’s established expertise in all-wheel drive”. I have in the past tried their 4WD system and Suzuki certainly does produce the goods at a very affordable price.
Just last year, Suzuki celebrated fifty five years of the ALL GRIP system; certainly well proven and continuously upgraded throughout the years. The e-Vitara is largely based on the eVX concept which was shown at Auto Expo in India in January 2023 and later in Japan at the Mobility Show and it is produced in India. Returning to styling, the robust exterior is further highlighted by large wheels which for me delivers a certain Tonka look, very pleasing to the eye and one EV which does satisfy me. I am afraid with many of the current EV offerings, styling is very far from being a strong point. In my book when it comes to a vehicle, looks are paramount; so well done Suzuki this time round. Suzuki describe the interior of their e-Vitara as being High Tech and Adventure with an integrated display system , floating centre console, a very unique D-shaped steering wheel which I must add I found comfy in use. Comfort and the seating was good and on models featuring the 61kWh battery you have a heated steering wheel for those too many chilly mornings. Both front seats have a ten way electric function; pleasing for your passenger.
Moving to the rear of the interior and the seats offer a 60:40 split slide function, an aid to offering not only more luggage space but also additional room for those who travel in the rear of the vehicle and these seats also have a ten step recline function; delivering added comfort. Summing up it has been worth the wait to experience the first offering in the EV sector from Suzuki, a good all rounder.
Ian Lynas
Categories