The Suzuki e Vitara will arrive at the 276 dealerships in Germany at the end of January. (Photo: © Suzuki)
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Suzuki presents its first all-electric model, the e Vitara – thus launching a model offensive until 2030.
The electric car subsidy is barely a day old, after Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider announced the conditions, and already... Suzuki with the and Vitara breast first all-electric model The timing couldn't have been better for the German Suzuki dealership. Because with Prices between 20.000 and 40.000 euros (net: between 25.000 and 36.000 euros) for a compact SUV The Japanese are targeting a customer base for whom all-wheel drive options in this price segment have previously been rather limited.
The new e Vitara, which from the end of January to the 276 dealers delivered in Germany It will be available with two battery sizes. The entry-level model is the Club trim level and has a 49 kWh battery, while the higher Comfort and Comfort+ versions come with a 61 kWh battery. The smaller battery has a range of 344 kilometers, while the larger version offers even greater range. Ranges vary depending on the equipment, either 395 or 426 kilometers..
The reason for the difference lies in the Available as all-wheel drive ("Allgrip-e") or pure front-wheel driveAll-wheel drive consumes more energy and adds weight. However, the Japanese engineers have always prioritized efficiency and lightweight construction to achieve the best possible range.
The engine performance also varies. The Club, with its small battery, has a System output of 106 kWThe version with the 61 kWh battery has a power output of 128 kW. However, the developers around chief developer Sumio Ono have... All-wheel drive version 7 kW more This is reflected in the increased fuel consumption and range. They built the e Vitara on the new Heartect-e platform, which they developed specifically for all their battery-electric models. The lithium iron phosphate batteries can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 45 minutes when connected to a 100 kW DC fast charger. For AC charging up to a maximum of 11 kW, the battery takes approximately 4,5 hours to reach 100 percent from a 10 percent charge.
During the test drive with the 4,275 meters long, 1,80 meters wide and 1.635 meters high e Vitara In the freezing temperatures of the Weserbergland region, the model proves pleasantly relaxed, offering good comfort and solid performance. On the motorway, it's sufficient for a Top speed of 150 km/hThe car responds precisely to the accelerator pedal and holds its line with its direct steering. It shines in narrow streets with its... Turning circle of just 10,40 metersThis also applies to the all-wheel-drive version off-road. Even though most e Vitara vehicles don't venture off-road, the compact SUV is capable of handling rough terrain, as the short excursion demonstrates.
There's room for five people, and everyone in the back has plenty of space, although taller passengers might wish for more headroom. With the rear seats folded down, the trunk capacity is 1.052 liters when packed to the roof. With the second row of seats upright, the volume ranges from 238 to 310 liters, and with the rear seats folded down, it expands to 562 liters.
Suzuki Germany is hoping for sales of 3.000 units this year and is optimistic about the future. The reason, according to Suzuki's Deputy Managing Director Daniel Schnell: "It marks the start of a model offensive."...with a new model every year until 2030." The e Vitara starts at €25.201,68 with the smaller battery. Those wanting all-wheel drive can get the version with the larger battery for €33.184,87.
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