About a year after the Kia EV3 arrived in Israel with a starting price of NIS 165,000, the first Japanese electric vehicle with a near-Chinese price tag is also making its way to the local market. The Suzuki e Vitara will be sold in Israel with a starting price of NIS 155,000.
The new crossover is manufactured in India by Suzuki’s subsidiary Maruti, which also produced the Alto and Baleno models previously sold in Israel. It is also built for Toyota, which markets it under the Urban Cruiser name.
Its dimensions are similar to those of the BYD Atto 2 and slightly smaller than the Jaecoo 5, measuring 4.275 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and 1.635 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters. Cargo capacity ranges from 240 to 310 liters, depending on the position of the sliding rear seat.
The e Vitara is available in front-wheel-drive (174 hp, 20.4 kg-m) and all-wheel-drive (181 hp, 31.6 kg-m) versions. The front-wheel-drive model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive version completes the sprint in 7.4 seconds. Top speed is identical in both versions at a modest 150 km/h.
Equipped with a 61 kWh battery, the front-wheel-drive version offers a driving range of 426 km, while the all-wheel-drive version is rated at 395 km. DC fast charging is supported at up to 150 kW, although the manufacturer still quotes a charging time of 45 minutes for a 10% to 80% charge and specifies a charger with an output of at least 70 kW. Many public fast chargers in Israel still operate at 50 kW. AC charging is available at up to 11 kW.
Versions and Equipment:
GLX (from NIS 155,000): 18-inch alloy wheels, dual displays consisting of a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
GLXV (from NIS 163,000): Upgrades include 19-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. A two-tone paint scheme is available for an additional NIS 3,000.
GLXV All-Wheel Drive (NIS 180,000): Identical equipment level, with the addition of all-wheel drive and increased power output.
Warranty: 3 years or 100,000 km for the vehicle, 5 years or 100,000 km for electric powertrain components, and 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery.
The e Vitara’s biggest advantage, aside from its price, is its Japanese badge, appealing to buyers who prefer not to purchase a Chinese vehicle, including security organizations. It also offers an all-wheel-drive option for muddy trails, with 18 cm of ground clearance. The driver’s environment features numerous physical controls, although rear-seat passengers still do not get dedicated air-conditioning vents.
The Next Models
The e Vitara is Suzuki’s first all-new model in years. The company’s lineup has steadily shrunk in recent years, including the discontinuation of European exports of the Jimny and Ignis over the past two years.
Toward the end of this year, Suzuki will unveil its first electric city car, featuring a raised ride height and Japanese production, positioned to compete with the BYD Dolphin Surf.
In 2027, the company will launch another compact crossover, this time with a hybrid powertrain.