- Suzuki NZ launches first-ever pure-electric SUV.
- First current Suzuki models in $50k (2WD) and $60k (AWD) price brackets.
- New 8-year warranty introduced for all Suzukis from April.
The new e Vitara is Suzuki's first-ever pure-electric SUV (jointly developed with Toyota). The Indian-built model is the tallest, longest-wheelbase Suzuki model ever produced (although it's still only 100mm longer overall than the outgoing Vitara hybrid).
It's also now the most expensive thing sold by Suzuki NZ by far, starting at $56,990 for the 2WD model and rising to $64,990 for the "Allgrip-e" AWD.
For a limited introductory period, Suzuki is offering a $2000 discount, bringing the starting price down to $54,990.
There's a $1000 premium for two-tone paint finish and an exclusive new colour for e Vitara (not shared with any other Suzuki) called Land Breeze Green Pearl Metallic.
The price partly reflects the high specification for the vehicle. Shared across both 2WD and AWD models, it includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, "floating" centre console, 7-speaker Infinity sound system with subwoofer, 12-colour ambient lighting, wi-fi and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The 10.25in digital instrument panel is customisable.
Climate control air conditioning features the "added benefit" of physical switchgear, says Suzuki. Keyless entry and an electric parking brake with hold function are standard.
Unique to the AWD is a power distribution monitor in the instrument panel.
Powering the e Vitara is a 61kWh LFP battery providing 426km range in the 2WD version and 395km for the AWD. The AWD is the quicker of the two, accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while the two-wheel-drive reaches the same speed in 8.7sec.
The e Vitara offers a maximum on-board AC charging rate of 7kW, while DC fast-charging is adequate rather than speedy at 65kW.
Suzuki NZ has also introduced an upgraded 8-year/160,000km warranty on its new vehicles, including e Vitara, from April. Previously, it offered 3 years/100,000km with a powertrain extension to 5 years if vehicles were serviced by an authorised Suzuki dealer. That's still required for the upgraded warranty.
