Failing to have been able to get very close to its new technical cousin, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, we fell back on the zero-emission Vitara. What did we think?
It took a while before Suzuki launched its very first 100% electric model. Like most Japanese brands, it relied on other technical solutions (especially micro-hybridization). But because ignoring zero emissions is a serious mistake in Europe where grams of CO2 are expensive, and because the development of an electrical architecture is expensive, Suzuki has joined forces with another manufacturer to reduce emissions. costs, in this case Toyota. The Urban Cruiser discovered recently is nothing other than a rebodied e Vitara.
Failing to have been able to approach the very latest novelty, we took advantage of the Brussels Motor Show to study the e Vitara from every angle. While waiting to be able to put it to the test on the road, has our first static encounter convinced us?
In the spirit of the times
Not too many surprises when we discovered this new Suzuki model for the first time last November, it incorporates many elements of the eVX concept seen at the beginning of 2023. There is no doubt that it should please since its design is up to date.
Sharp-cut lines, not long (4.28 m) but high (1.64 m) and sufficiently wide (1.80 m), short front and rear overhangs, bodywork protections and wheel surrounds in plastic, no doubt, it’s an SUV. They may be criticized, but customers still love them just as much. With its rear door handles recessed into the pillars and its rear light strip reminiscent of that of the Alfa Romeo Junior, it even gives itself a somewhat sporty look which might please some.
Spacious but…
With its length greater than the thermal Vitara (4.19 m for the latter), and its significantly more generous wheelbase (20 cm longer, 2.70 m), we expect to have more space in the e Vitara. That’s true, but there is a but. With the sliding bench seat it is equipped with pushed back all the way, you can stretch your legs without difficulty in the back. In return, the trunk volume is reduced to the bare minimum : 306 litresor the value of a city car. For comparison, the thermal Vitara offers little legroom but up to 362 liters of trunk volumedespite a shorter length.
Well, it’s always better than nothing to be able to modulate the space. Note also that in addition to being sliding, seats fold in a 20-40-20 configuration. But we’ll think twice before going on a weekend trip with four people with a lot of luggage.
-Inside, a leap towards modernity
If there is one thing in which this e Vitara stands out from the thermal Vitara, it is its internal environment. It’s simple, it makes him look a lot older. So, it is true that the thermal model is no longer very young (it dates from 2015) but its interior already seemed dated when it was released.
Dual digital paneltwo-spoke steering wheel, two-tone dashboard on the exhibition model (which also sets it apart from the Toyota Urban Cruiser with its too dark environment), we feel good in this e Vitarasignificantly better than in any other Suzuki model by the way. The materials – without being the best in the segment – are correct, the same for the assemblies. Suzuki had the good taste not to go all-touchthere are still a few buttons to control the air conditioning, for example. No need to use the touch screen to manage the driving modes either, they are accessible from the central console. This e Vitara scores many points.
Just put it to the test of the road
Eventually, the only real bad point is its trunk. Because for the rest, this e Vitara gives full satisfaction. It breathes new life into Suzuki which – we hope – will snowball into the rest of the range. The dashboard, for example, would not be out of place in an S-Cross or even in a Swift.
One criterion will be decisive for its commercial success, the price. It is imperative that Suzuki shows the same leniency as for thermal models.
Finally, you will need to ensure that it is comfortable, safe on the road (why not pleasant to drive) and that it is capable of driving for a long time on the same full tank of electricity. As a reminder, when it is launched during 2025, it will be offered in three versions: 49 kWh battery and 144 hp motor or 60 kWh battery in two-wheel drive (174 hp) and all-wheel drive (183 hp ).
