Suzuki e Vitara – electrifying value

THE decision makers at small car specialist Suzuki knew exactly the profile of the target audience for its first fully electric car the e Vitara.

Launched last autumn with value-conscious buyers and urban commuters in mind, this vitally important model to the Japanese brand also set its sights on existing Suzuki fans looking for an affordable and reliable entry into electric ownership.

And with prices starting at £26,249 (including a £3,750 price cut in response to the Government’s Electric Car Grant) for a chunky, attractive looking compact SUV offering “all the technology you need as standard” the e Vitara has certainly served it up to more established rivals like the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq and Peugeot e-2008.

Up for grabs with either a 49kWh or 61kWh battery, as well as the option of the company’s ALLGRIP-e electric all-wheel drive set-up, the e Vitara comes with a choice of Motion or Ultra trim.

It won’t appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking outright performance, but it’s nonetheless a really attractive little car that punches way above its weight and includes a wealth of positive features.

Not least of them is the e Vitara’s styling, described by its maker as having an authentic ‘High Tech and Adventure’ SUV design but with familiar Suzuki cues like deeply sculpted body lines, a long wheelbase, flared bumper and a grille-less face.

Move inside and the overall quality of the cabin feels like an upgrade on other Suzuki models with the dash dominated by a pair of 10-inch screens for infotainment and the instrument cluster.

All models benefit from a rear-view camera plus front and rear parking sensors and a smart feature is the ambient cabin lighting which bathes the 3D textured pattern of the centre console tray and front door trims in a dozen different colours and seven levels of dimming.

And it’s especially refreshing that there are physical climate control switches as well as controls operated via the central display.

Space is more than adequate whether you sit up front or in the rear. There’s no leg restriction even if the front seats are slid fully back and the fact that the rear ones split and slide 60:40 means you can extend legroom or boost luggage space at will.

The boot isn’t especially large with 306 litres of available space when the sliding seats are most forward (238 litres slid fully back), boosted to 562 litres with them fully folded. There’s also an under-floor box for small items.

Our tested model was in entry level Motion trim grade but with front wheel drive, the larger 61kWh battery developing a half decent 174bhp of power and an official electric range of 264 miles, which during our mix of motorway and urban driving we came close to matching.

Performance figures (0-62 in 8.7 seconds, 93mph max) are plenty good enough. In fact the e Vitara feels brisk and lively even from standstill, and you get three drive modes of Normal, Eco and Sport.

Overall it’s a smooth and comfortable car to drive, though you really feel any road bumps from the back seats.

Charging time is 45 minutes for 10-80 per cent of boost at a DC rapid charger while using a domestic wallbox – essential if your home can accommodate one – takes about nine hours to reach 100 per cent with the 61kWh battery.

You get plenty of kit for your money too, the 61kWh Motion model coming with standard equipment like 18-inch alloys, smartphone connectivity, heat pump, keyless entry and start, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, reversing camera and valuable safety gear like a blind spot monitor.

Urban, for an extra £5,800, adds the likes of bigger wheels, a wireless phone charger, adaptive high beam, 360-degree camera, Infinity audio system, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and half synthetic leather seats. We’d stick with Motion for the best value.

And Suzuki is covering the e Vitara with a 10-year warranty for car and battery, a benefit most rivals don’t match.

*The brand is also offering a springtime Personal Contract Hire deal on the 2WD Motion 61kWh model of an advance payment of £299 followed by 47 monthly payments of the same amount, with the car returned at the end of the term.