Maruti Suzuki is all set to officially step into the electric vehicle space with its all-new electric SUV, the eVitara. The electric SUV was officially unveiled last month. It has been spotted testing in India several times, and the official launch of the eVitara in India will take place during the Bharat Mobility Expo next month. Before the official launch in India, Suzuki has released a video showcasing its AWD system in action on snow.
The video has been shared by Suzuki Global on their YouTube channel. In this video, we see the eVitara prototype being tested in the snow. The electric SUV is being tested at a proving ground in Hokkaido, Japan. The aim of this test was to identify any issues with the vehicle when driven on snowy surfaces.
In the video, the eVitara is seen effortlessly navigating the snow. The electric SUV’s AWD system ensures the vehicle maintains traction and avoids getting stuck. Driving on snow can be extremely tricky, and it is always recommended to maintain a constant speed while driving in such conditions.
In this case, the SUV was tested in a controlled environment, and the team was prepared for any accidents that could have occurred during the test. If you plan to drive in snowy mountains, it is recommended to use winter tires and snow chains to ensure your vehicle has ample grip. Snow is one of the most challenging surfaces to drive on, and without expertise, it is very easy to lose control.
Returning to the eVitara, the exterior design of the prototype seen in the video matches the SUV unveiled last month. It features design elements carried over from the concept. The boxy design typical of an SUV is evident here. It includes LED headlamps, LED DRLs, a gloss black front grille, and clear-lens tail lamps connected by a central piece.
The Maruti Suzuki eVitara will be offered with two battery pack options. There will be a 49 kWh unit generating 144 Bhp and 189 Nm of peak torque, offered in a single-motor setup. The next variant will feature a 61 kWh battery pack with a dual-motor setup. It will generate 174 Bhp in the single-motor setup and 184 Bhp and 300 Nm of peak torque in the dual-motor configuration.
Suzuki is branding the dual-motor AWD system as AllGrip-e. This system includes a Trail mode, which simulates a limited-slip differential by braking wheels with low traction and redirecting torque. The larger battery version of the eVitara is expected to have a certified driving range of approximately 500 km.
Maruti Suzuki will equip the upcoming electric SUV with premium features. It will have an all-new cabin design that doesn’t resemble any existing Maruti model on the market. Features include a wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, ADAS with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster of the same size.
The price for the Maruti Suzuki eVitara is expected to start at around Rs 20 lakh for the smaller battery pack variant, while the larger 61 kWh version is expected to start at around Rs 25 lakh.