Maruti Suzuki has finally entered the electric vehicle (EV) space with its first pure electric car, the e Vitara. Unveiled at the Auto Expo, the e Vitara is set to launch in the first half of this year. It will be sold through Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets. We got a chance to spend an hour with the car and take a closer look. Here’s our detailed first review.
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How Does It Look?
The e Vitara is built on the new Heartect e platform. It has a unique design with many EV-specific features. The front end looks modern with a blanked-off grille and a large Maruti Suzuki logo. The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) have a fresh design. The car has bold cladding around the body, giving it a strong SUV look. It rides on large 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels.
The side profile has a sharp character line that runs across the length of the car. The rear door handles are placed on the B-pillar, similar to the previous Swift. At the back, the car features 3-point Matrix LED tail lamps. The paint quality is excellent, and the overall design is distinctive.
The e Vitara is 4275mm long, 1800mm wide, and has a ground clearance of 185mm (unladen). It also has active grille shutters, which improve aerodynamics and airflow.
What About The Suzuki e Vitara Interiors?
The e Vitara’s interior is a big surprise. It feels premium and doesn’t share any design elements with other Maruti cars. The center console is large and features a round gear selector (shift-by-wire). The door pads have new switches, and the instrument cluster is all-new. The touchscreen layout is modern, with well-organized displays and functions.
The dashboard has a soft-touch finish, and the air conditioning vents have a stylish design. The car is packed with features like ambient lighting, a sunroof with fixed glass, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also has a premium Infinity audio system that sounds great.
Safety is a priority with 7 airbags, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and one-pedal driving mode. The front seats are spacious and comfortable. The rear seats offer good legroom, but headroom might feel tight for taller passengers. However, the rear seats have sliding and recline options. The flat floor (thanks to the Heartect e platform) and three headrests at the back add to the comfort.
What About Suzuki e Vitara Power And Range?
The e Vitara comes with two battery options: a 49kWh and a 61kWh battery pack. The 49kWh version produces 141bhp, while the 61kWh version delivers 171bhp. Both versions have a single motor and come with 2WD (two-wheel drive) as standard.
The 61kWh battery offers a claimed range of 500km, which is impressive. The car has multiple drive modes, including regen and snow modes. It also offers one-pedal driving, which makes city driving easier. However, there are no steering paddles for regeneration.
The e Vitara comes with Level 2 ADAS features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive High Beam System, and Blind Spot Monitoring. The turning radius is 5.2 meters, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
What Are The Variants?
The e Vitara will be available in three trims: Delta, Zeta, and Alpha. Buyers can choose from 10 color options, including four dual-tone choices.
Suzuki e Vitara Vs Competition
Maruti Suzuki has focused on making the e Vitara premium and feature-rich. The interior quality, range, and features stand out in its segment. The carmaker’s vast service network is another advantage. Maruti plans to install chargers in top 100 cities, with one charger every 5-10 km.
The e Vitara is expected to be priced aggressively. However, the top-end variant will likely cost more than the hybrid Grand Vitara. The car’s design, features, and packaging justify the price. Compared to rivals, the e Vitara offers a better range, more features, and a premium interior.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is a strong entry into the EV market. It combines a stylish design, a premium interior, and impressive features. The range of up to 500km is a big plus. With Maruti’s reputation for reliability and its wide service network, the e Vitara is set to be a strong competitor in the electric SUV segment.