Suzuki reveals the price for its debut electric vehicle, the e Vitara
The Suzuki e Vitara, the Japanese automaker's first fully electric vehicle, is making waves in the electric SUV market with a very competitive pricing structure. With a starting price of £29,999 for the 49kWh battery model, the e Vitara is among the most affordable electric SUVs currently available in the UK and Indian markets.
In the UK market, the e Vitara pricing starts at £29,999 for the base 49kWh Motion 2WD model, with prices reaching £37,799 for the top-spec 61kWh Ultra ALLGRIP-e 4WD version. This pricing range is noted to be marginally cheaper than most rivals, especially beating competitors like the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3 in price, while still offering the choice of an all-wheel-drive system (ALLGRIP-e).
The battery choices for the e Vitara are 49kWh and 61kWh, with the larger battery offering up to 248 miles of range in practical driving, which is competitive for the segment. Suzuki offers 0% finance for two years with a 20% deposit, making the e Vitara accessible from about £379 per month for the higher 61kWh Motion 2WD model.
Compared to its direct competitors, such as the Skoda Enyaq or Kia EV3, the e Vitara’s lower starting price combined with AWD options and battery choices provides good value.
In the Indian market, the Maruti e Vitara (the Indian market version) is expected to be priced around Rs. 22.5 lakh (~£24,000), which positions it higher than some compact electric SUVs like the Tata Punch EV priced near Rs. 15.3 lakh (~£16,500). However, the e Vitara offers a larger 61 kWh battery and longer range (500 km claimed) compared to the Tata Punch EV’s 35 kWh battery and 421 km range, suggesting a trade-off between upfront price and performance/range.
The e Vitara is equipped with the electric ALLGRIP-e system, featuring two independent motors at the front and rear, offering a 4x4 option. The ALLGRIP-e system has been developed specifically for the e Vitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser sister car. The e Vitara will also be available with a posher Ultra grade.
Suzuki will offer a 10-year warranty on the new e Vitara, matching the cover offered by Toyota on the Urban Cruiser. The e Vitara is cheaper than the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30, and the electric ALLGRIP-e system in the e Vitara offers flexibility with battery size and drive options.
In conclusion, the Suzuki e Vitara is competitively priced just under £30,000 at entry level in the UK, undercutting some rivals while offering flexibility with battery size and drive options. In India, it is priced higher than some compact EVs but offers superior range and battery capacity, positioning it as a premium value proposition in the electric SUV segment.
[1] Suzuki UK Press Release, 2023 [2] Suzuki India Press Release, 2023 [3] Carwow, 2023 [4] AutoCar India, 2023
- The Suzuki e Vitara, equipped with gadgets such as the electric ALLGRIP-e system and offering choices in battery size, provides a lifestyle-focused driving experience that competes favorably with technology-driven electric SUVs, including the Skoda Enyaq and Kia EV3.
- With a lower starting price range in the UK than its direct competitors like the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3, while still providing all-wheel-drive options and variety in battery sizes, the e Vitara demonstrates a smart blend of technology and affordability in the electric-vehicle market, making it an appealing choice for consumers.
