THE ALL-NEW SUZUKI e VITARA

Our Business Writer, Emma Collins, test drove Suzuki's first all-electric eVitara. This is her report...

Right from the moment I pulled away, I felt that familiar EV smoothness I absolutely love from having my own electric car. The automatic drive was effortless, with a lovely gliding feel on both the longer stretches and the stop-start bits of town driving. Suzuki clearly haven't cut corners here. It's refined, gentle and very ready to compete in the electric market.

Inside, the cabin had that instant "ooh, this is nice" feeling. The sunroof let so much natural light in, making the space feel bigger and calmer, perfect for brightening up school runs even when the rain is pouring. The interior lighting made me smile too. I love a bit of ambience, and it added just enough modern charm without feeling gimmicky. The dual 10-inch display is sleek and incredibly clear, giving you everything from real-time performance to multimedia access. Apple CarPlay connected instantly, keeping everything convenient and familiar.

The Tech That Actually Matters

What really impressed me was the practical tech. The 360-degree parking camera was one of my absolute favourite features. Dorset has its fair share of tight parking spots and tricky angles, and this camera turns those moments of "oh no…" into "ah, easy." Crisp visuals, no guesswork, just simple, stress-free manoeuvring.

I also really got on with the turning-knob gear selector. It feels modern and smooth, and once you get used to it, it's genuinely satisfying to use. The drive modes cover everything you need: Normal for everyday, Eco for saving range, Sport when you want that bit of fun, and Snow Mode...which I'm taking as a hopeful sign we might get a white Christmas this year. It's actually incredibly useful too, adding grip and stability in icy conditions.

Putting It Through Its Paces

Because I wanted to really test it properly, I took the eVitara across a mix of roads. It handled the dual carriageway beautifully; quiet, steady and confident at higher speeds. The country route from Corfe Castle to Studland was a dream: winding corners, hills, varying surfaces, and it took every bit in its stride. And then the school run, which is the real test, let's be honest. Bags, kids, tight spaces, unexpected stops and the eVitara stayed calm, consistent and easy.

Safety Features That Give You Peace of Mind

Suzuki really do take safety seriously with this car. The Blind Spot Monitor was genuinely reassuring, especially on the faster roads. The Dual Sensor Brake Support is smart and intuitive, it alerts you if there's a potential hazard and can apply the brakes if needed. For reversing, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert gave me that extra peace of mind, and the Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Prevention were helpful on the longer, more tiring stretches. Everything felt protective without being intrusive.

Space and Practicality for Real Life

For families, the space alone is a huge plus. The reclining and sliding rear seats make such a difference for comfort, especially with older kids, and the boot is brilliantly flexible. Up to 562 litres with the seats folded down means it handles everything from weekly shops to sports bags to a day shopping at The Dolphin shopping centre in Poole... that's a lot of bags!

I also loved the convenience touches, like Suzuki Connected Services, which lets you check the car, lock it, or even activate the air-con from your phone. And the Infinity Audio System was a treat. Clear, rich sound and a nice bit of bass made the drive even more enjoyable.

The Verdict

By the end of the test drive, I realised something: the Suzuki eVitara isn't trying to be flashy. It's trying to be dependable, enjoyable and genuinely useful for busy families and it absolutely succeeds. Smooth, safe, practical, clever and surprisingly fun. 

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