Suzuki eVitara

The Suzuki e VITARA is the brand’s first fully electric SUV in Malaysia. Fully imported from India and offered in a single front-wheel-drive variant, it is priced at RM188,000 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. Dual-tone exterior colours add RM1,000, while the East Malaysian price starts from RM192,800.

Its front-mounted electric motor produces 128 KW or 174 PS and 193 NM, while a 61.1-kWh LFP battery provides up to 426 KM of WLTP range. Warranty coverage includes five years with unlimited mileage for the vehicle, five years or 100,000 KM for EV components and eight years or 160,000 KM for the high-voltage battery.

The dashboard combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen in a single integrated panel. Piano-black surfaces, dark silver trim and configurable ambient lighting provide a modern presentation. 

A floating centre console houses the rotary shift-by-wire controller, electric parking brake, brake-hold switch and driving-mode controls. An illuminated storage tray and wireless charging pad are positioned underneath and ahead of the main controls. 

The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offers several display layouts and presents speed, range, charging information, navigation prompts and driver-assistance status. It is positioned beside the central touchscreen within the Integrated Display System. 

The seats combine fabric and perforated synthetic leather upholstery. The driver receives 10-way powered adjustment and lumbar support, while both front seats are heated. The rear bench slides, reclines and folds in a 40:20:40 configuration.

The five-seat cabin benefits from a long 2,700-MM wheelbase relative to its compact exterior. Sliding rear seats allow owners to prioritise either passenger legroom or additional luggage space. 

The two-spoke, squared-off steering wheel includes controls for audio, voice recognition, driver information, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. Tilt-and-telescopic adjustment is also provided.

Storage areas include door pockets, a glovebox, centre-console compartments, an illuminated lower tray and seatback storage. The adjustable rear bench provides additional flexibility when carrying larger items.

Two cup holders are positioned within the front centre console. Rear passengers receive another two within the folding centre armrest, while bottle holders are incorporated into the doors.

USB-A and USB-C charging connections are provided for front and rear occupants, together with a 12-volt accessory socket. A Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger is located at the front of the centre console. 

The interior mixes soft-touch areas with more durable hard plastics suited to a compact SUV. Synthetic leather, patterned fabric, piano-black trim and 12-colour ambient lighting improve the overall presentation. 

Luggage capacity reaches approximately 306 litres when the sliding rear seats are moved forward. With the seats positioned fully rearward for maximum legroom, available cargo capacity is reduced. 

The e VITARA measures 4,275 MM long, 1,800 MM wide and approximately 1,640 MM tall, with a 2,700-MM wheelbase. It has 180 MM of ground clearance and a kerb weight of approximately 1,791 KG.

Its upright front adopts Suzuki’s “Metal Beast” design concept, combining a closed hexagonal fascia, muscular bonnet and black lower cladding. The three-point lighting signature helps distinguish it from its Toyota Urban Cruiser sibling.

The rear features prominent wheel arches, a roof spoiler and black bumper cladding that reinforce its SUV appearance. Three-element lamps are connected visually by a horizontal trim line across the tailgate. 

Automatic LED projector headlamps are accompanied by LED daytime-running lights and LED front fog lamps. Automatic levelling, Adaptive High Beam and High Beam Assist are also included. 

The LED tail lamps use the same three-point matrix pattern as the front lighting. Their angular internal graphics give the compact SUV a recognisable appearance at night. 

The exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable and power-folding, with integrated turn indicators and heating. Blind-spot warning indicators are also incorporated into the mirrors.

Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at both the front and rear. Regenerative braking, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and an electronic parking brake provide additional stopping support.

The Malaysian model rides on 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55 tyres. Their wide-spoke design includes aerodynamic garnishes that help reduce drag. 

Standard active-safety equipment includes ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, hill-start assistance, hill-descent control, emergency-stop signalling and multiple-collision braking.

Seven airbags are fitted, comprising front, front-side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags. ISOFIX and top-tether child-seat mounting points, side-impact door beams and front and rear seatbelt reminders are also included.

Selectable Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow modes alter accelerator response and energy usage. An Easy Operation Pedal function also provides several regenerative-deceleration levels for more convenient urban driving. 

The 10.1-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and selected EV controls. Physical shortcuts and steering-wheel buttons help reduce reliance on the touchscreen while driving. 

Suzuki Safety Support includes Dual Sensor Brake Support II, adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors assist during low-speed manoeuvres. 

An Infinity premium sound system is fitted with front and rear speakers and a subwoofer. It replaces the JBL system used by the closely related Toyota Urban Cruiser. 

A front-mounted permanent-magnet electric motor produces 128 KW or 174 PS and 193 NM. Its output is intended to provide smooth urban performance rather than high-performance acceleration.

Power is delivered through a single-speed electric reduction drive. Immediate motor response removes the need for conventional gear changes.

The Malaysian e VITARA is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. Suzuki’s dual-motor ALLGRIP-e all-wheel-drive system is not offered locally.

The e VITARA accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 8.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 KM/H. 

Its 61.1-kWh LFP battery provides up to 426 KM of WLTP range. Charging is supported at up to 7 KW AC and approximately 67 KW DC, with a rapid charge requiring around 45 to 50 minutes depending on the stated starting percentage and charger conditions. A full AC charge takes approximately nine hours.

Convenience features include keyless entry and start, automatic lights and wipers, an electronic parking brake with brake hold, wireless charging and a glass roof with retractable sunshade. The powered driver’s seat and sliding rear bench further improve everyday usability.

The Malaysian specification does not list dedicated rear centre-console air vents. Rear passengers therefore depend mainly on airflow from the four dashboard vents, which may be less ideal in Malaysia’s hot climate.

MacPherson-strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup provide a more sophisticated arrangement than the torsion-beam systems used by some compact SUVs. The underfloor battery lowers the centre of gravity, while the 18-inch tyres retain sufficient sidewall for everyday comfort. 

Suzuki uses insulated glass, sound-insulating baffles and additional isolation around the battery enclosure and electric motor. These measures are intended to suppress wind, road and high-frequency motor noise within the cabin.

The Suzuki e VITARA combines distinctive SUV styling, a well-equipped cabin and a usable 426-KM WLTP range. Its sliding rear seats, Infinity sound system, 360-degree camera and comprehensive safety package make it more generously equipped than its compact dimensions initially suggest.

However, its RM188,000 price, small boot and relatively slow 67-KW DC charging rate place it at a disadvantage against several newer and larger electric SUVs. The lack of a locally available AWD variant also limits its appeal to buyers expecting traditional Vitara off-road capability. It remains best suited to Suzuki enthusiasts seeking a compact, well-equipped and less common electric SUV.