Suzuki’s first global EV, the e-Vitara, made an appearance at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
It has been a year since Suzuki first unveiled the eVX concept, the basis for their first mass-produced battery electric vehicle, the e-Vitara. Our editor, Daniel, spotted the production model at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, confirming its readiness for global markets. For Malaysia, however, the timing presents a challenge.
Naza Eastern Motors, the local brand guardian, previously hinted at bringing an EV into Malaysia by Q4 2025, aiming to take advantage of the ongoing full import and excise duty exemption for CBU EVs, which is valid until the end of 2025. Despite the e-Vitara’s production beginning in India in Q2 2025, the initial delay means a CBU launch window is narrow.
Focus Shifts to Local Assembly (CKD) Tax Exemption
The potential good news for Malaysian buyers lies in the tax incentive for locally assembled (CKD) EVs, which remains in effect. The e-Vitara’s production start in Gujarat, India, offers Naza Eastern Motors a blueprint for leveraging manufacturing synergies. It is now speculated that the e-Vitara could arrive as a tax-free CKD unit, securing its competitive pricing and allowing it to bypass the looming CBU deadline.
Built on the dedicated Heartect-e EV architecture, the e-Vitara is a compact SUV with respectable specifications:
- Dimensions: It measures 4,275mm in length and 1,800mm in width, with a 2,700mm wheelbase.
- Powertrain: Options include single-motor front-wheel-drive or a dual-motor Allgrip-e 4WD system.
- Performance: Power output ranges from 106kW (142hp) to 135kW (181hp) and 300Nm of torque for the dual-motor model.
- Battery: It offers a choice between a 49kWh or a larger 61kWh LFP battery pack.
- Range: The maximum range configuration is expected to hit between 400km to 500km.
The car also features a unique electric 4WD system, Allgrip-e, which includes a Trail mode to manage torque distribution. The shared use of some switchgear, including the rotary gear selector, with the Toyota bZ4X highlights the growing technological collaboration between the Japanese giants.
