Suzuki e Vitara 49 kWh FWD

Overview

Suzuki is finally jumping into the all-electric game with the brand new e Vitara! This compact SUV aims to shake up the affordable EV segment, offering a no-nonsense, practical package for city dwellers and small families. Co-developed with Toyota, it brings a familiar name into a new era. The 49 kWh Front-Wheel Drive model is the entry point, promising reliable tech and an accessible price point, starting from around €31,995 in Europe. It’s a compelling new choice for those looking to ditch petrol without breaking the bank.

What's New for 2025?

Everything! The 2025 e Vitara is a ground-up, all-new electric vehicle, marking Suzuki's first global foray into the BEV space. Forget the old Vitara; this is a completely different machine built on a dedicated EV platform shared with Toyota. It brings a fresh design, a modern electric powertrain, and a tech-focused interior to the showroom. For 2025, the focus is on launching this key model, with this 49 kWh FWD version set to be the volume seller, establishing Suzuki's new electric identity in the European market.

Design & Exterior

The e Vitara sports a chunky, confident look that's pure compact SUV. It blends modern EV cues with classic Suzuki ruggedness, featuring a distinctive clamshell bonnet and sharp C-shaped LED headlights. The upright, boxy silhouette promises good visibility and a commanding road presence. At 4,275 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,635 mm high, its dimensions are perfectly suited for tight city streets and car parks. It’s a handsome little thing that looks ready for an urban adventure, without being overly aggressive.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the e Vitara focuses on practicality over pointless pizzazz. You get a modern cabin with a large central touchscreen handling infotainment duties, complete with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sensibly, Suzuki has kept physical buttons for key climate controls – a massive win! Passenger space is decent for a compact SUV, seating five. However, boot space is on the tight side at just 238 litres, expanding to a more usable 562 litres with the rear seats folded. Don't go looking for a frunk, as there isn't one.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect this e Vitara to be a traffic light champion, but it’s perfectly nippy for its mission. The single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sends 106 kW and 189 Nm of torque to the front wheels, getting you from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 9.6 seconds. The driving experience is geared towards comfort and manoeuvrability, making it a brilliant city car. It’s smooth, quiet, and easy to drive, with a top speed of 150 km/h. Multiple regenerative braking modes will help you claw back some range in stop-start traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

The e Vitara is powered by a 47.8 kWh usable battery pack, delivering a real-world range estimated at 292 kilometres by Green Cars Compare – plenty for the weekly commute. Its efficiency is a solid 6.11 km/kWh. For charging, it uses a standard CCS Type 2 port. At home on an 11 kW AC wallbox, a full charge will take around 4.5 hours. When you’re out and about, its 400V system can pull a maximum of 55 kW from a DC fast charger, taking it from 10-80% in roughly 40 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While an official Euro NCAP rating is still pending for the 2025 model, you can bet Suzuki is aiming for a top score, leveraging its partnership with safety-focused Toyota. Expect a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems to come as standard. This should include essentials like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Higher trims will likely add features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, making the e Vitara a reassuringly safe family runabout.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Suzuki typically offers solid peace of mind, and the e Vitara should be no exception. Buyers can likely expect a general vehicle warranty of around 3 years or 100,000 kilometres. Crucially, the high-voltage battery will be covered by a separate, longer warranty, typically 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, guaranteeing it against significant degradation. As an EV, maintenance costs will be lower than a petrol car, with no oil changes to worry about and less wear on the brakes thanks to regenerative braking, making it cheaper to run long-term.