Suzuki eVitara: Suzuki's Electric Debut

Suzuki has finally entered the EV game, and honestly, it's about time.

This is the all-new eVitara, Suzuki’s first-ever electric vehicle and one of the most important launches for the brand in recent years. Because while Suzuki has dominated the petrol market in Nepal for decades, the EV market is a completely different battlefield—one that's already packed with strong competition from China.

And that's what makes the eVitara so interesting.

DESIGN

The eVitara marks Suzuki's entry into the EV segment, and unlike many electric vehicles on the market today, it doesn't try too hard to look futuristic. Whether that is a good thing still remains to be seen, but for now, it definitely stands out in the crowd.

Up front, you get sharp Y-shaped LED DRLs, projector LED headlamps, and a clean, muscular SUV stance. The side profile is equally understated, with chunky wheel arches, 18-inch alloy wheels, and proportions that make it look like a proper SUV rather than a raised hatchback.

At the rear, the connected LED tail lamps and roof spoiler add a modern touch without feeling overstyled.

INTERIOR

Inside, the cabin strikes a balance between familiarity and modernity. The dual-screen setup consisting of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment display gives the interior a contemporary feel, while physical controls on the steering wheel and a simple dashboard layout keep things user-friendly.

The sliding and reclining rear seats are a particularly practical touch. In fact, they offer an impressive amount of adjustability, something you don't often see in this segment. Overall, the cabin feels well put together, comfortable, and easy to live with.

That said, there are a couple of areas where Suzuki could have done better.

The displays are positioned almost vertically, and under bright daylight conditions they can suffer from noticeable glare, making them difficult to read at times.

Then there's the rotary gear selector. Rather than simply twisting it to select a gear, you first have to press it down before rotating it into Drive, Reverse, or Neutral.

While this may have been done as a safety measure, it feels like an unnecessary extra step. A conventional twist-only action would have been quicker and more intuitive.

And… the camera display is atrocious. 

PERFORMANCE

Powering the eVitara Zeta is a 61 kWh LFP battery paired with a 128kw electric motor producing 193 Nm of torque. This battery can be charged from 10% to 100% in 9 hours using an AC charger, and 10% to 80% in 45 mins if you are using a DC charger.

Now, those numbers are respectable, but they don't exactly set the benchmark in a segment where many rivals are chasing ever-higher power figures and larger batteries. That said, outright performance has never really been Suzuki's calling card.

Instead, the eVitara focuses on delivering a smooth and predictable driving experience. Power delivery is linear, the steering is light, and the vehicle feels easy to maneuver both in city traffic and on longer highway drives.

One of the highlights here is the driving mode setup. You get Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, which genuinely change the character of the car.

Eco mode prioritizes efficiency and extends range, Normal feels like the balanced everyday setting, while Sport sharpens throttle response and gives the EV a noticeably more eager feel when you put your foot down.

There’s also a Snow mode, which is a useful addition for slippery or low-traction conditions. It helps manage wheel spin and improves stability, giving you more confidence in challenging road conditions.

The suspension setup does a commendable job of soaking up road imperfections, and the relatively conventional SUV driving position will feel familiar to anyone stepping out of a traditional petrol-powered Suzuki.

With a claimed range of over 500 kilometres, range anxiety is unlikely to be a major concern for most buyers, although real-world figures will naturally vary depending on driving conditions, terrain, and driving style.

In terms of practicality, the minimum turning radius is another strong point. It makes the eVitara surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight city spaces, which is something buyers in places like Kathmandu will definitely appreciate.

Safety is another area where the eVitara puts in a strong showing. The Zeta variant comes equipped with seven airbags, Electronic Stability Control, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, front and rear parking sensors, and an electronic parking brake as standard.

On the flip side, not everything is perfect. The regenerative braking adjustment system is tucked away inside the infotainment screen, which makes it inconvenient to access on the go. It’s one of those features you expect to have quick physical control over, but here it feels buried in menus for no real reason.

VERDICT

The eVitara is a nice car, and seeing the Suzuki badge in the mix of other EVs brings a smile to my face. However, you have to call a spade a spade, and in the electric vehicle rat race, the eVitara still has room for improvement.

Chinese EVs currently have a clear advantage when it comes to value. At Rs. 57 lakh, with an introductory price of Rs. 53 lakh, this Zeta variant feels expensive for what it offers on paper.

But specifications are only one part of the ownership experience.

What Suzuki brings to the table is something that many newer manufacturers are still working towards: decades of proven reliability and trust. This is a company that gave us icons like the Maruti 800, lord Alto, and several other vehicles that earned their reputation through years of dependable service. That legacy matters.

Suzuki also benefits from one of the most established sales and service networks in Nepal. Whether you're in Kathmandu or outside the valley, chances are there's already a workshop, service center, or parts network within reach. That's a level of confidence that many buyers still value highly.

So while the eVitara may not be the most aggressively priced or feature-packed EV in its segment, it offers something equally important: familiarity, trust, and proven after-sales support.