By Ian Strachan.
The Suzuki Vitara has been around for quite a while – more than 30 years – and now this popular SUV has gone electric.
The all-electric Vitara gets a 135kw electric motor which can give you up to 245 miles between charges. With a rapid charger a 10-80 per cent charge will take around 45 minutes.
All of this widens the appeal of the excellent Vitara which already has the benefits of a high level of standard equipment and plenty of technology
The Vitara has sold well over three million units worldwide. I tested the all-electric e-Vitara in Ultra ALLGRIP four wheel drive spec. Unlike some of its competitors, the e-Vitara in Ultra ALLGRIP spec is a true off-roader – much more than a grass and gravel vehicle. You can confidently take this vehicle over fields and muddy tracks and it won’t put a wheel wrong. Switching from two- wheel to four-wheel-drive involves simply turning a dial.
Purposeful new-design 19-inch alloy wheels, high ground clearance, large clamshell bonnet and black grille and wheel arch extensions make the Vitara look capable and ready for anything.
The electric motor is as a smooth as you would expect and will give you a top speed of 93 mph where allowed and 0-60mph acceleration in just over seven seconds.
The Vitara has always had a crisp, well laid out and comfortable interior and the electric version is no exception. The height-adjustable fabric and synthetic leather upholstered front seats are large and supportive. The driver’s seat has 10-way powered adjustment. Instruments are clear and well laid out. The whole of the interior feels spacious, pleasant and light, thanks to a large panoramic glass sunroof.
The Suzuki gives you a stable and safe ride. The Vitara feels glued to the road, but still provides light handling and driver involvement. The Ultra specification also gives you selectable driving modes, remote air conditioning, seat heating and steering wheel heating, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, wireless phone charger and adaptive cruise control.
Standard equipment also includes hill hold and hill descent control, DAB digital radio with USB socket and Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation with a 10.1 inch colour touchscreen, steering wheel-mounted controls, electric, heated door mirrors, 60-40 split rear seat, double height luggage area with removable floor, automatic air conditioning, front fog lamps, keyless ignition with automatic stop/start, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, automatic headlights with high-beam assist and all round electric windows.
The price of the 1.4 Ultra ALLGRIP e-Vitara – at £37,799 on the road – is competitive. The dual-tone Opulent Red Pearl paint finish on my test vehicle is £950 extra.
It’s difficult to fault this all-electric car from Suzuki. It’s a very good all round effort, well-built and a pleasure to drive.
