An enormous milestone in Suzuki’s 115-year-history just occurred: the Japanese automaker revealed its first electric production automobile. Called the E Vitara (stylized as e Vitara, but that appears annoying) it’s a small crossover that will likely be in-built India and sold there in addition to in Japan and Europe. Based on the eVX concept from last yr, the E Vitara is pretty cute. Greater than being just cute, it looks like Moo Deng.
You recognize, Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus that was born on July 10 this yr within the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. She became a viral sensation because she is so chunky and slippery and cute and indignant on a regular basis. She kinda perfectly captured the tip of Brat summer and the start of Brat autumn, together with how everyone seems to be feeling about tomorrow.
You’ll be able to’t tell me the Suzuki E Vitara doesn’t seem like Moo Deng. They’re each shaped like a Tootsie Roll, thick in the center, not very tall and stubby on the ends, with some chunky bodywork elements. They each have an indignant face with expressive eyes and an open mouth. The E Vitara looks prefer it desires to be my friend but in addition bite my shoes, identical to Moo Deng. Suzuki says the E Vitara is an “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” which is how Moo Deng would describe herself, I bet.
I feel Moo Deng would also approve of the E Vitara’s interior, which looks pretty cool. Suzuki says it has “tough-looking panels,” though it doesn’t say whether the materials are literally tough or not. I just like the shapes of the air vents, door panels and center console, and it actually looks nicer than other modern Suzukis.
The E Vitara is built on a brand new HEARTECT-e platform developed only for EVs, and it has an all-wheel-drive system called ALLGRIP-e that has an independent electric axle at each end. There’s a Trail mode that may apply the brakes to a spinning wheel and distribute torque to the opposite end for higher traction. Take a look at Moo Deng’s lil feet! She has ALLGRIP-e, too.
Suzuki will offer the E Vitara in a front-wheel-drive base model that has a 49-kWh battery pack and a single motor with 142 horsepower. You’ll be able to upgrade to a 61-kWh battery that ups output to 172 hp and the identical 139 pound-feet of torque; going for the AWD model adds a 64-hp motor on the rear for a complete of 181 hp and 221 lb-ft. In its lightest FWD form the E Vitara weighs 3,752 kilos while the AWD model is as much as 4,187 kilos. At 168.3 inches long and 64.4 inches tall, the E Vitara is in regards to the same height and a pair inches shorter in length than the brand new Nissan Kicks.
Production of the E Vitara will start in India in spring 2025, with the automobile occurring sale that summer. Suzuki, in case you’re listening and in case you’re smart, you want to get Moo Deng within the ad campaigns.
This Article First Appeared At jalopnik.com
