All wheel drive is alive and well at Suzuki and there are no plans to change direction.
On the 55th anniversary of the first 4×4 to arrive in the UK Suzuki has revealed its first battery electric car will have Allgrip technology. Fittingly it will take the Vitara name, the model that has been Suzuki’s bedrock since it was launched 37 years ago.
It all started in 1970 with the simple lightweight LJ10 and 23 others followed, giving us such models as SJ410, X-90, the madcap Kizashi sports saloon, Swift and S-Cross.
Suzuki paraded its off-road heritage at Monster Mountain, a tough as nails motocross centre overlooking Merthyr Tydfil where we were reminded how good cars like the Grand Vitara and even the little Swift are at tackling challenging terrains with a minimum of fuss.
But all eyes are on the e Vitara which arrives here in the autumn with a new look, lots of technology and competitive pricing.
Suzuki is partnered with Toyota and has rebadged a couple of its hybrid models but e Vitara is a Suzuki from the ground up, built on a purpose built electric platform and with styling that at last brings Vitara right up to date.
The new model is 100mm longer, closer to the old Grand Vitara, and promises more cabin space thanks to an extra 200mm on the wheelbase.
The range follows the regular two model line-up with Motion and Ultra, both offered with Allgrip and a choice of 49kWh or 61kWh battery capacity giving the base model a range of 214 miles rising to 264 miles with the larger unit.
A full charge from a home wall charger is around eight hours but it can be charged at a 150kW public charging point although the 45 minutes for a 10-80 percent top up is slower than most of Vitara’s rivals.
An important addition is a heat pump to reduce strain on the battery so drivers will not see the range tumbling down as soon as the heating is turned on which can be quite a shock without one in cold conditions.
Performance looks to be on par with most of its rivals, a sprint to 62mph covered in 7.4 seconds with the larger battery. It dips a couple of seconds with the smaller battery but is still a good bit quicker than the current petrol Vitara.
As is Suzuki’s way the entry level Motion is packed with kit and more than enough to avoid upgrading if budget is an important factor. Expect to get keyless entry, integrated navigation, heated front driver’s seat (61kWh model) electric parking brake, auto dipping headlights, slide and reclining rear seat.
Driver safety aids are pretty much the same on both models with front collision braking and rear cross traffic alert the stand out features.
Moving up to Ultra adds a powered driver seat, better sound system, 360 degree view camera, synthetic leather upholstery and a glass roof. Allgrip models get hill descent control and trail mode.
According to Suzuki, demand for four wheel drive is still strong and with so few rivals offering the same they expect 30 per cent of sales to go to Allgrip which only loses a minimal amount of economy over the two wheel drive models.
Early pictures show the sort of cabin we have been waiting for from Suzuki. Different textures and colours, digital driver’s display and a thoroughly modern centre console have completely changed the face of Vitara.
A big move by Suzuki is a 10 year car and battery warranty linked to a dealer servicing contract, and as a customer sweetener you can get zero interest finance and a free home charger.
Fast facts
e Vitara Motion/Ultra
Prices 2WD: £29,999-£35,799
Allgrip: £34,999-£37,799
0-62mph 7.4secs-9.6secs; 93mph
Battery capacity: 49/kWh-61kWh
Range: 214-265 miles
Zero emissions
