MOTORING REVIEW: Suzuki launches all-new e-Vitara with AWD option

Suzuki has a 55-year heritage of expertise in off-road 4x4 vehicles, including 37 years of manufacturing its Vitara model, and now offers a 4WD option across its current line-up. The company has just introduced its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, built at the Suzuki facility in India on a newly-developed platform specifically for BEV electric vehicles at Suzuki’s facility in India. It will join the mild hybrid Vitara already available.

Suzuki Ireland says their target audience includes motorists curious about electric vehicles but hesitant to make the switch, often citing cost as a barrier. The company's potential customers are likely to be value-conscious suburban or town drivers who enjoy technology.

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The new version retains the familiar Vitara's robust design, with high ground clearance suggesting an adventurous spirit. Deeply sculpted body lines, a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and large alloy wheels give it a commanding road presence. Inside, the cabin features high-quality materials, a well-thought-out layout, attractive seating, and appealing colour schemes.

Available in two trims — Motion and Ultra — and with two battery options, 49kWh and 61kWh, the model also offers Suzuki’s newly developed electric 4WD system, promising true go-anywhere capability. This system is available on Ultra models equipped with the larger battery.

During the recent Irish press launch, we had the opportunity to drive on a challenging forest track at Powerscourt Demesne in Enniskerry. The company's ALLGRIP-e 4WD system employs separate motors for the front and rear wheels, allowing independent control of each. The two motors offer a maximum torque of 307Nm, 1.5 times that of the 2WD version with the smaller 49kWh battery.

To say we were pleasantly surprised by the car’s off-road ability is an understatement. Before we entered the woods, we were instructed to press the TRAIL button on the central console to optimise the vehicle’s performance on the muddy, twisty, and rut-filled track.

When slippage is detected, the system applies braking to the slipping wheels and activates a limited-slip differential to distribute torque to the opposite side, aiding smooth passage through muddy ruts. It worked flawlessly!

The car also comes equipped with hill descent control as standard, which automatically regulates braking on steep off-road terrain, along with the rear motor’s assistance to help navigate adverse terrain. A particularly handy feature when driving up a steep incline with limited visibility is the VIEW button on the lower dash, which projects the terrain beyond the hill onto the screen, allowing the driver to see what lies ahead.

Faced with two deep, lengthy ruts on either side of a grassy ridge — one over a foot deep, the other slightly less so — I feared the small SUV wouldn’t clear them unscathed. As I let the car's system do the work, the loud thuds and bangs had me worried about damage to the undercarriage and side panels. However, it emerged completely unscathed, proving the vehicle’s build quality and good ground clearance. These traits should appeal to rural customers, including members of the farming community and those in construction.

The Irish distributor plans to sell 600 units within the first 12 months from launch in May. The 61kWh Motion 2WD model is expected to be the best-seller, followed by the Ultra 2WD with the larger, better-equipped battery. AllGRIP 4WD models are projected to account for around 18 per cent of sales.

The e-Vitara earned a 4-star safety rating from Euro NCAP last September. It comes with a 10-year build warranty and a 10-year battery warranty as standard, and owners can also benefit from a free Ohme home charge point.

I look forward to test-driving the vehicle on Irish roads — both good and bad — in the coming months. 

The entry-level 49kWh 2WD is priced from €32,995; the 61kWh 2WD from €40,405; and the 61kWh 4WD from €42,995. All prices include SEAI grant and VRT relief.