Suzuki e Vitara launched in India with battery rental plan

KUALA LUMPUR: Maruti Suzuki, the Indian subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has launched its first-ever electric vehicle, the e Vitara, in India, sold via the more premium Nexa showrooms. This is Suzuki’s first global strategic BEV, manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s plant in Gujarat, with plans to export to over 100 countries and regions.

Also read: Suzuki Malaysia teases eVitara EV – Local arrival closer than we think?

Suzuki e Vitara: battery rental plan

The Suzuki e Vitara is offered in three variants in India: Delta, Zeta and Alpha, with a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (RM 47k), exclusive of the battery. Yes, much like the Perodua QV-E battery leasing concept in Malaysia, the e Vitara comes with a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) rental program. 

The plan eliminates the upfront battery cost, making ownership easy and affordable, with usage charges starting at Rs 3.99 per km. The EV is being offered with Assured Buyback plans:

• 3-years /45 000 km plan offers up to 60% Assured Buyback value 
• 4-years /60 000 km plan offers a  50% Assured Buyback value

Suzuki e Vitara: Dimensions 

Based on the brand’s newly developed “HEARTECT-e” platform, the EV is a mid-size SUV that measures 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. With a minimum turning radius of 5.2 metres, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 180 mm, promising comfortable manoeuvring and off-road capability.

Suzuki e Vitara: Design and features 

The EV features a conventional yet rugged look with chunky body claddings, muscular wheel arches, and striking alloy wheels. It boasts a sharp-looking front fascia incorporating sleek single-pod headlights and LED daytime running lights. Adding to its robust appearance is a chunky rear bumper, and wrap-around LED tail lamps linked with a black insert.

The India-spec model is loaded with a wide range of features, including 

• Auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers
• 10.25-Inch Digital Driver’s Display
• 10.1-Inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Ventilated front seats 
• 10-way powered driver’s seat
• 10-speaker Infinity Sound System 
• Fixed glass roof 
• Multi-colour ambient lighting
• Automatic climate control 
• Push button start 
• Wireless phone charger 
• Three drive modes -Eco, Normal and Sport 
• 7 airbags
• Level 2 ADAS pack, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Automatic Emergency Braking 
• Next-Gen Suzuki Connect  with over 60 features
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Suzuki e Vitara: Drivetrain, range and charging

The Suzuki e Vitara is offered in two different front-wheel drivetrain setups in India - 

Specs	Delta	Zeta	Alpha
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Max power	144 bhp	174 bhp	174 bhp
Max torque	189 Nm	189 Nm	189 Nm
Battery	49-kWh battery	61-kWh battery	61-kWh battery
Range	440 km	543 km	543 km

Launching the e VITARA,  Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Maruti Suzuki’s EV strategy has been developed to ensure that the e VITARA becomes the primary EV choice for customers. The e VITARA offers a commendable driving range of over 543 km, supported by an ‘e for me’ charging ecosystem that mirrors the reliability our customers have trusted for decades.”

Also read: Suzuki Fronx Hybrid launched in Malaysia, priced at RM147,888