What's the difference?
It’s a new, premium, pure-electric, mid-size SUV, but unlike every second market arrival CarsGuide has been looking at lately, it doesn’t come from China.
This is Skoda’s Elroq, the Czech manufacturer’s second electric SUV, following the larger Enyaq which launched here just on 12 months ago.
Effectively an electric counterpart to the Karoq, it’s a single-motor, rear-wheel drive, five-seater with healthy performance and range claims as well as sharp pricing and generous spec to challenge its ever-expanding competitive set.
After a brief preview drive earlier this year, we’re back behind the wheel for a fuller examination. So, read on to see if this sleek newcomer could be part of your family EV future.
Suzuki really needs you to buy this car.
Not only are cut-price Chinese rivals dicing up the entry-level part of the market where this Japanese brand used to thrive, but Suzuki is also facing pressure to adapt to Australia’s tough new emissions laws.
That’s where this e Vitara comes in.
Built in India on a new platform shared with Toyota, the e Vitara is unlike any Suzuki that's come before it in Australia. Does it have what it takes to crack the super competitive end of the new-car market?
Read on to find out.
The Skoda Elroq is a niche option in a boiling hot small SUV segment, but it makes sense as the next plank in Skoda’s multi-model EV strategy. It has the value, quality and performance to cut through. We think it’s a worthy newcomer.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with accommodation and meals provided.
The Suzuki e Vitara is a fun, if unusual little electric car, but it does come at a price premium over many of its rivals, which includes the likes of the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona.
It’s great to drive, has a versatile cabin, and has a familiar feel for anyone new to electric cars. However, with low driving range, slow charging, no vehicle-to-load or single-pedal driving and comparatively high service costs, it may be a tall order.
Some will prefer that it wears a Japanese badge on its nose compared to budget alternatives, but I’m not sure Suzuki will be selling these in the kinds of volumes it needs to at this price.