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By Jonathan Crouch

Suzuki's first EV is this e Vitara and it's crucial for the brand. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 35

Suzuki's first EV, the e Vitara, is a careful take on what a fashionable B-segment small electric SUV should be. It emphasises value and the shared Toyota engineering is thorough, but segment competition is fierce.

Backgroundword count: 149

Suzuki's been talking loudly about electrification since the beginning of this decade, but the fact is that it's the last of the mainstream makers to introduce an EV, this car, the e Vitara. As it did when introducing a full-Hybrid, the brand has turned to long-time partner Toyota for help here. But while Suzuki full-Hybrids (the Across and the Swace) were merely re-badged Toyotas, the e Vitara is a Suzuki stand-alone model - though it shares its platform and all its engineering with Toyota's new Urban Cruiser. Which means it's a B-segment EV crossover, so for rivals, think cars like the MINI Aceman, the Ford Puma GEN-E and the Peugeot E-2008. The e Vitara is a slightly larger car than the existing combustion Vitara, with looks based on the company's eVX concept of 2023. And it'll be built in India to keep prices sharp. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 392

Bolted to the e Vitara's new Heartech-e platform is a choice of two BYD-sourced batteries of either 49kWh or 61kWh in size. The smaller pack is mated to a 142bhp motor, while the larger pack energises a 172bhp motor. 0-62mph takes 9.6s with the smaller battery - or 8.7s with the larger one - en route to the modest 93mph top speed all e Vitaras share. In both cases, drive comes from the front, but if you opt for the larger battery, you'll be offered the option of the top 4WD variant we tried, which gains an extra 64bhp rear axle motor as part of what's called an 'ALLGRIP-e' system. Total output with AWD is 181bhp, with 310Nm of torque. Suzuki says the 'ALLGRIP-e' set-up manages the twin motors independently for off-road use to allow for more precise control. There's also a selectable Trail mode which works like a limited slip differential for better traction on slimy tracks. It can apply the brakes to calm spinning wheels, while sending torque to wheels with traction. There's also Hill Descent Control for slippery slopes, but where you can take this car will be very limited by its modest 180mm of ground clearance. Across the line-up, driving range isn't anything to write home about, limited somewhat by the weight of the e-Heartech platform; e Vitara models tip the scales at anything between 1,702kg and nearly 1,900kg, which is pretty heavy for the size of car this is. As a result, even the bigger-battery model can only do 263 miles between charges - or 245 miles in this twin motor ALLGRIP-e form. Expect 213 miles from the base 49kWh version. You can maximise all these figures by maximising stronger regenerative braking (with low, medium and high 'Regeneration Boost' settings via a centre screen button) and by activating the most frugal of the drive modes - 'Eco' (the others are 'Normal' and 'Sport'). On the move, a soft ride has been prioritised over sharp handling. But this car is in its element in town, thanks to light steering and a relatively tight 10.4-metre turning circle. On the highway, as with many electric cars, all the lack of an engine does is highlight wind noise and tyre roar. You won't be doing much towing in an e Vitara - the braked towing figure is rated at just 750kg.

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