A recent post on the Suzuki Cars Malaysia Facebook page seem to be hinting at the potential arrival of the e Vitara on our shores. “Will we be able to see this beauty on Malaysian roads or off-roads anytime soon? Only time will tell,” read the cryptic post’s caption.
While it isn’t a confirmation by any stretch of the imagination, it’s clear that Naza Eastern Motors is finally moving ahead with its plans to enter the mainstream market, where the company promised at least one new model introduction in the country every year. The e Vitara teaser comes just two weeks after it published a post hinting at the arrival of the Suzuki Fronx in Malaysia.
Resurrecting the iconic nameplate, the Suzuki e Vitara is the Japanese marque’s first production electric vehicle (EV), which was reportedly co-developed with Toyota. The latter also has a twin model dubbed the Urban Cruiser EV.
Coming in as a B-segment crossover, the Suzuki e Vitara is built on an entirely new platform dubbed “Heartect-e”, designed specifically for BEVs. Suzuki says this platform offers a lightweight structure and a spacious interior thanks to its short overhangs.
READ MORE: Suzuki e Vitara unveiled, Suzuki’s first electric SUV enters production in 2025
Globally, the Suzuki e Vitara is offered in three different powertrain options, starting with a single-motor front-wheel drive with 144 hp and 189 Nm, along with a 49 kWh battery pack. A more powerful front-motor option delivers 174 hp and 189 Nm, and is paired to a larger 61 kWh battery pack for up to 424 km (WLTP) of range.
For those who require more grip for mild off-road driving, the ALLGRIP-e 4WD variant adds an additional motor on the rear axle, bringing the total output up to 184 hp and 300 Nm. A unique “trail mode” mimics a limited-slip differential for improved off-road performance.
As for equipment, you’ll find 18- or 19-inch wheels on the outside depending on variant, and a rugged-looking horizontal dashboard layout highlighting the conjoined 10.1-inch centre touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
While the vehicle has been paraded at motor shows globally, including the recent 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2025), the car has yet to be launched in India yet, where it will originate from via the company’s Gujarat assembly plant.
It was reported that the Suzuki e Vitara will be launched in Indonesia next year, and we could be seeing a similar timeframe for Malaysia too. That said, it could be argued that timing could be more of the essence here, given the expiry of EV tax exemptions for imported vehicles (CBU) by the end of 2025.
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