SUZUKI Philippines Inc. (SPH) has finally entered the EV race with the arrival of the all-new e Vitara, the Japanese brand’s first battery electric vehicle. The EV’s arrival is a significant step for a brand long associated with practical, reliable small cars, hatchbacks, MPVs, and compact SUVs. The e Vitara now carries the task of introducing Suzuki buyers to an entirely new form of mobility.
To give the motoring media an initial taste of what the model can do, SPH recently organized a track activity at Batangas Racing Circuit. Rather than the usual road drive, the event allowed participants to experience the vehicle in a controlled environment. It was admittedly a brief session of only a few laps, but it offered an early glimpse of how Suzuki approached its first EV.
THE e Vitara takes on a more assertive look than previous Suzuki crossovers. Its proportions are defined by a long wheelbase, large wheels, and a stance that gives it a stronger SUV presence. Suzuki describes it as having a unique silhouette designed to create a muscular and dynamic character.
At the front is a distinctive hexagonal face intersected by a horizontal through-line that stretches across the fascia. The design element is repeated at the rear, creating visual continuity from one end of the vehicle to the other. A set of three-point signature lighting elements further distinguishes the model. Connecting light strips link the front and rear lamps, giving the crossover a modern look without feeling overly futuristic.
The 18-inch machined alloy wheels feature a wide-spoke design with aerodynamic considerations in mind. Suzuki says the wheels use resin garnishes to help reduce drag while enhancing the vehicle’s appearance. The e Vitara also features a rear spoiler, LED lighting all around, and a glass roof with a retractable sunshade.
Dimension-wise, the e Vitara measures 4,275 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall, riding on a 2,700-mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is listed at 180 mm, maintaining the practical crossover credentials expected from the Vitara name.
A cabin ready or the electric era
INSIDE, Suzuki took a cleaner and more contemporary approach. The dashboard is dominated by what the company calls its Integrated Display System, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.1-inch center touchscreen. The setup allows access to vehicle settings, charging schedules, EV information, climate controls, and connectivity functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available in wired and wireless forms.
The cabin layout revolves around a floating center console that houses the shift-by-wire selector and storage areas. A wireless charging pad sits below, while multiple USB ports are distributed throughout the cabin. The cabin also includes ambient lighting with 12 color selections.
Seat comfort appears to have received considerable attention. The driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat, while the front seats are shaped to provide firm support. Rear occupants get reclining, sliding seats with a 4:2:4 split-folding configuration, helping maximize cargo flexibility. Luggage capacity ranges from 238 liters to 310 liters with the rear seats positioned forward, expanding further to 562 liters when folded.
Other convenience features include a smart automatic climate control system, front center armrest, rear armrest with cup holders, rear USB charging ports, door mirror heaters, and an Infinity premium audio system.
The heart of Suzuki’s first EV
POWER comes from a front-mounted eAxle electric drive unit producing 128 kW (171 hp) and 193 Nm of torque. A single-speed electric transmission sends power to the front wheels.
The motor draws energy from a 61-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. Driving range is listed at up to 475 kilometers based on the NEDC cycle. For charging, the e Vitara comes with a 7-kW onboard charger and supports both Type 2 AC and CCS2 DC charging standards. Suzuki claims DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 45 minutes under ideal conditions.
Drivers can choose from Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Snow mode is also available, along with Easy Pedal operation that increases regenerative deceleration and allows greater one-pedal driving capability.
Suzuki’s dedicated HEARTECT-e platform underpins the vehicle. The battery pack sits beneath the floor, lowering the center of gravity and improving handling stability. High-tensile materials are used extensively to improve rigidity while managing weight.
Safety takes center stage
billboards do the job socmed
SAFETY equipment is generous. The e Vitara comes with seven airbags, including dual front, side, curtain and knee airbags. It also features ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, Electric Parking Brake, Brake Hold, Hill Hold Control and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.
Suzuki also engineered the structure to protect the high-voltage components in a collision through an impact-absorbing body design. The front bumper, hood and surrounding structures are likewise designed to reduce injury severity during pedestrian impacts.
Security features include an immobilizer, alarm system, child safety locks, impact-sensing door unlock system, and ISOFIX anchors for child seats.
Eyes and Ears on the Road
THE e Vitara introduces one of Suzuki’s most comprehensive ADAS packages in the Philippines through Suzuki Safety Support. Available technologies include Dual Sensor Brake Support II, Multiple Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive High Beam System, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
A 360-degree camera system further aids maneuvering and parking by providing surround-view, bird’s-eye and eye-level perspectives. Front and rear parking sensors are likewise standard.
Taken together, the package puts the e Vitara on par with many modern EVs in active safety and driver-assistance technology.
Two laps, plenty of answers
THE track session at Batangas Racing Circuit was brief. Two laps are hardly enough to deliver a complete evaluation, particularly for an EV loaded with technology and various drive settings. Still, the short drive revealed several encouraging characteristics.
The most immediate impression came from acceleration. Like most EVs, the e Vitara responds instantly to throttle inputs. No waiting for revs to build. The vehicle moves with a smooth, predictable surge, making it easy to carry speed onto the straights.
More impressive, however, was the steering. It felt accurate and reasonably well weighted for a compact crossover. Through the tighter sections of the circuit, the front end pointed where it was asked without hesitation. Entering corners, clipping the apex and getting back on power exiting the turn felt natural and convincing.
Part of that behavior can be credited to the platform layout. With the battery pack mounted underneath the floor, weight is concentrated lower and closer to the center of the vehicle. Unlike a conventional internal combustion crossover, there is no heavy engine block sitting ahead of the front axle. The result is a more balanced feel during direction changes and less sensation of the front pushing wide through corners.
Regenerative braking also proved useful around the circuit. Beyond recovering energy, the deceleration helped smooth weight transfer into corners. In several sections, lifting off the accelerator already produced enough slowing effect before brake application. That characteristic can make the vehicle feel more settled as you prepare for turn-in.
The run was tightly controlled, so there was little opportunity to explore the e Vitara’s limits or fully assess ride comfort, efficiency, ADAS performance and cabin refinement under normal driving conditions. Those observations will have to wait for a longer road test.
Even so, the early signs are positive. The e Vitara appears well suited to urban use where instant torque, smooth operation, regenerative braking and charging convenience can be appreciated daily. It also offers a specification list that checks most of the boxes expected from a modern electric crossover.
The price of going electric
THE P2.02-million price tag may not immediately grab attention considering the aggressive pricing now seen across the electrified vehicle landscape. Yet Suzuki still has a compelling argument. Reliability has long been one of the brand’s strongest calling cards, and for buyers looking to transition to electric mobility with a familiar, established name, the e Vitara offers a credible and promising starting point.
The e Vitara arrives in a segment that has become increasingly crowded with entrants from China and other established brands. That means it needs more than just an electric motor to stand out. Suzuki is banking on a familiar nameplate, proven engineering philosophy, and a design package that leans toward practicality rather than excess.
So, the question is straightforward: can the e Vitara carry the Vitara name into the electric era without losing the traits that made Suzuki a trusted household brand in the first place?