Imagine a beloved SUV, a staple of the UK’s non-premium market, suddenly transformed into an electric vehicle—but with questionable benefits. Is this a step forward or a misstep? Let’s dive into the story of Suzuki’s Vitara, a car that’s been a vibrant presence since 1988, now thrust into the spotlight of the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. But here’s where it gets controversial: does this electric version truly align with consumer needs, or is it a forced response to government mandates?
The Vitara has long been celebrated for its affordability, reliability, and low running costs, making it a favorite among those who prioritize practicality over luxury. However, the UK government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate has flipped the script. For every two petrol-powered Vitaras sold, Suzuki must now sell one electric version—or face a hefty £12,000 penalty per non-compliant car. This has led to a dramatic drop in sales of the Vitara’s mild hybrid variant, from 6,500 in 2023 to just 3,300 last year. Suzuki, known for its efficient small cars with minimal environmental impact, is now scrambling to meet these targets. But is this the right approach? And this is the part most people miss: the mandate may be pushing manufacturers into decisions that don’t necessarily benefit consumers.
Enter the e Vitara, the first of four new EVs designed to evade those fines. Priced at £34,049, it’s significantly more expensive than its petrol hybrid counterpart, which starts at £25,499. The e Vitara boasts a 61kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, promising a range of 245 miles (or 264 miles for two-wheel drive). However, real-world testing reveals a different story. On a chilly 9°C day, the range plummeted to just 170 miles—a 30% reduction. This discrepancy raises questions: Are EV ranges being overpromised to meet regulatory demands?
Charging is another pain point. With a maximum fast-charging speed of 70kW, a 10-80% charge takes around 45 minutes, while a full charge on a 7kW AC charger requires nine hours. During testing, the car’s air conditioning kicked into overdrive at 70% charge to prevent battery overheating, further limiting usability. This begs the question: Is the infrastructure ready to support widespread EV adoption?
Inside, the e Vitara feels surprisingly grand, with a spacious cabin that comfortably seats three adults in the back. However, closer inspection reveals cheaper materials, unlined storage bins, and a touchscreen that requires multiple attempts to respond. Quirky features like an auto-release parking brake that sometimes fails and a 360-degree camera system that won’t turn off add to the frustration. Is this the level of refinement we should expect from a £34,000 vehicle?
On the road, the e Vitara delivers a firm yet comfortable ride, with responsive steering and powerful brakes. But its slow charging speed and limited range make long journeys a challenge. A 550-mile round trip cost £204 in charging fees—triple the cost of the same journey in the mild hybrid Vitara. Is this the future of motoring, or a costly experiment?
The e Vitara’s rivals, like the Ford Puma Gen-E and Dacia Duster, offer competitive pricing and features, but none escape the broader issues of EV range and charging infrastructure. As we navigate this transition, it’s worth asking: Are we sacrificing practicality for policy compliance? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think the e Vitara is a step in the right direction, or a detour on the road to sustainable motoring?
