SUZUKI has launched its new eVitara ALLGRIP in Ireland following its earlier UK launch.
Totally developed in-house, the medium 5-seat SUV builds on Suzuki’s fifty-year experience of all-wheel drive vehicles.
It also marks a milestone as it’s the first all-electric model to come from the company.
The eVItara is a no-compromise BEV, with its underlying chassis specifically developed for only all-electric production.
This gives it a performance advantage over vehicles designed with optional hybrid arrangements.
While also available in two-wheel drive, the ALLGRIP badging indicates the twin motor all-wheel drive version with motors on each axle.
Three specification levels are available across the range with the higher Motion and Ultra levels reserved for the ALLGRIP.
While the two-wheel drive range opens with the smaller 49kWh battery, the ALLGRIP features the 61kWh battery.
Total output is 183hp (135kW) with maximum torque of 307Nm.
This returns a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds with a given top speed of 93mph.
On the road, and throttle response if smooth, allowing for easily controlled progression.
Suspension is biased towards comfort with good road insulation, remarkably so when there was an opportunity to take the vehicle off-road.
With the Irish launch in County Wicklow, Powerscourt demesne provided a challenging off-road route and confirmation of Suzuki’s established expertise in all-wheel drive.
Light steering aids manoeuvring at low speeds, supported with front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, and 360-degree all-round viewing.
As is now common practice, there are three drive modes, defaulting to Normal.
Eco extends cruising range by regulating throttle response as well as air con power consumption. Sport increases accelerator response for a more committed driving experience.
There is also a Snow setting and for off-road use, Hill Descent Control and Trail mode that enables smooth escape from rough terrain via a Limited Slip Differential function.
Driving in cold conditions is also aided by a front screen de-icer unit which incorporates heating elements in the side and bottom of the glass to help keep the wipers free of ice and snow during winter.
The dash panel has two display panels built into one main unit comprising of a 10.25-inch driver display and a 10.1-inch centre display.
The larger display incorporates the speedometer, driving information and warnings.
The central display includes the navigation system and supports smartphone connectivity via USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Tabs on the left and right of the screen enable quick access to functions including wireless Apple car play and Android Auto connectivity, Tyre Pressure monitoring, EV setting, climate control, vehicle settings and assistive driving functions.
Below this, physical switches give safe access to climate control settings.
USB-A, and USB-C charge points are located in the front and rear of the vehicle.
For the passengers, the overall square lines of the vehicle’s design give a roomy cabin with the advantage of a reclining and sliding rear seat unit.
This can be moved to balance rear leg room with boot space which can go from 238 litres to 306 litres.
Wide rear doors also benefit access for parents dealing with child seats.
While the standard upholstery colour is overall dark, certain exterior paint colours come with the option of a two-tone tan fabric / synthetic leather interior which does so much to elevate the overall quality feel.
This higher trim also provides power adjustment and heating on the front seats as well as a heated steering wheel.
Specification levels are high from the range-opening model and are a significant plus for the new vehicle in an ultra-competitive market sector.
With regards to running requirements, all models feature a heat pump for ultimate battery range given as a combined 245 miles.
Overnight home charging will take the battery from 10% to 100% in nine hours with 10% to 80% on rapid DC charging taking 45 minutes.
The model reviewed is in Group 28A for insurance and is priced from £35,799 depending on colour options, and €42,295 in Southern Ireland.
The standard 3-year warranty can be extended to 10 years, subject to annual approved servicing.
And an Ohme home charger is fitted ahead of vehicle delivery, inclusive of purchase price. Competitive finance deals are available in both markets.
Motoring editor for Derry Journal Newspapers
