The Karma Chameleon

Suzuki’s Vitara wears a new mask to stay on the right side of history

- Story: Jake Groves

QUITE A BIG DEAL WHEN YOU introduce your first ever battery-electric production car. And Suzuki, ever keen to keep their super loyal buyers in the United Kingdom and Europe on side, have given it a name that really resonates.

In the course of more than 35 years, “Vitara” has meant everything from tough ’n’ ready utility vehicle to fun wagon for beach bums and, more recently, family-friendly all-rounder. What has united the many versions is a certain charm and a ruggedness that attracts folk who want something reliable and no-nonsense. This new one, named eVitara, is designed to parachute Suzuki right into the middle of the small-electric-crossover war zone. You know the type: Ford Puma Gen-E, Vauxhall Mokka Electric, Peugeot E-2008, Smart #1, Volvo EX30... that sort of thing.

Suzuki do not deny that they need the eVitara in their lineup to help them comply with emission requirements. But do not think of it as a car created reluctantly and with minimal effort—it is actually better than that.