Quick look:
- The e Vitara is Suzuki’s first EV, built in India and using a dedicated EV platform jointly developed with Daihatsu and Toyota (which sells the same SUV as an Urban Cruiser).
- With the launch of the e Vitara, NEM is extending the warranty of all its models to 5 years/unlimited mileage.
Naza Eastern Motors (NEM) has introduced its first fully electric model – the Suzuki e Vitara – which is the Japanese brand’s first EV in the local market. It’s no secret that this model is also adapted by Toyota which sells it as the Urban Cruiser.
Both SUVs come from Suzuki’s factory in India in CBU (completely built-up) form but the e Vitara is priced from RM188,000 (without insurance)… RM10,000 lower than the Toyota equivalent. The first 10 customers who purchase the e VITARA will get 5 years of free EV charging at selected dealerships.
Compact size
The e VITARA has a physical footprint with dimensions of 4275 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, and 1635 mm in height, on a 2700 mm wheelbase. It’s quite compact in size and even a bit smaller than BYD’s ATTO2 (but has a longer wheelbase) but slightly larger than a Perodua Ativa.
The compact dimensions also mean that the available cargo volume is 306 litres, with just 4 more litres available by adjusting the position of the rear seats.
HEARTECT platform
The e VITARA is built on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT-e platform (jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu) which was designed specifically for an EV. It incorporates an integrated eAxle that packages the electric motor, inverter, and reduction gear into a single assembly on the front axle.
Although there is an AWD version, NEM is importing only the version with a front-mounted motor with an output of 128 kW (252 hp)/193 Nm. Power is supplied by a 61 kWh liquid-cooled lithium iron-phosphate battery with 426 kms driving range claimed.
DC rapid-charging can be done at up to 70 kW and if at maximum power supply, recharging from 10% to 80% capacity can be done within 45 minutes, it is claimed. AC charging with the 7 kW onboard system completes a 10% to 100% recharge in approximately 9 hours.
Integrated Display System
Inside, the cabin of the e Vitara features a unified structural unit called the Integrated Display System, combining the driver’s digital instrument panel and central infotainment screen into one continuous housing.
Standard equipment includes a 2-spoke steering wheel, a floating centre console utilizing shift-by-wire selectors, a wireless Qi smartphone charging pad, dual USB ports for both front and rear seating rows, and a sunroof. The upholstery uses mixed materials, incorporating Melange jersey cloth and perforated synthetic brown leather trims.
On the safety front, the vehicle is built using Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology impact-absorbing chassis structure. This contributes to the 4-star rating that was given by Euro NCAP.
The active driver assistance package includes Dual Sensor Brake Support II, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, an Adaptive High Beam System, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Low-speed tracking and parking manoeuvres are managed via a 360-degree surround-view camera layout providing bird’s-eye and eye-level perspectives.
Longer warranty for all models
As with other EVs, there’s a separate warranty for the battery which, in the case of the e Vitara, is 8 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms. The vehicle warranty is 5 years/unlimited mileage and this also now applies to all other models sold by NEM, replacing the 3-year/100,000 km warranty offered before.
