Suzuki New Zealand retires its Vitara petrol model: could this mark the conclusion of an era?
Suzuki Announces Updates to S-Cross and Introduction of e-Vitara in New Zealand
Suzuki New Zealand has announced several significant changes to its lineup, with the forthcoming e-Vitara set to be the automaker's third model sourced from India, following the Jimny 5dr and Fronx. The changes also include updates to the S-Cross and the discontinuation of the combustion-engined Vitara SUV.
The updated S-Cross will feature a cleaner Euro 6d engine tune, automatic high-beam lights, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. Despite these improvements, the power output of the S-Cross's engine will decrease slightly with the updated model. The price of the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) S-Cross remains at $45,990, while the price of the Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) S-Cross has increased by $1000 to $43,990.
The e-Vitara, Suzuki's first pure-electric model, will replace the combustion Vitara in New Zealand. The e-Vitara, a co-development with Toyota's Urban Cruiser, will be available with either 49kWh or 61kWh battery packs. The top version of the e-Vitara will feature dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with 135kW/300Nm, and an EV version of AllGrip with selectable drive modes. The e-Vitara, at 4275mm in length, is slightly longer than the petrol Vitara but shorter than the S-Cross.
Interestingly, the aging Ignis mini-SUV has outsold the S-Cross with 256 registrations, while the year-to-date sales show the S-Cross as the fifth best-selling Suzuki model in New Zealand with only 92 registrations. Suzuki New Zealand plans to give more exposure to the S-Cross in the future, acknowledging its underperformance in sales this year.
The production of the current-shape Vitara AWD models is no longer available in Suzuki New Zealand. Year-to-date, the combustion Vitara is the third best-selling Suzuki model in New Zealand, behind Swift and Jimny. The search results do not provide information about the name of the seller who is expected to take over the market share of the outgoing fuel-powered Vitara model in New Zealand.
Notably, Suzuki New Zealand will focus marketing efforts on the S-Cross SUV from next year, indicating a shift in emphasis towards electric and more efficient vehicles. The e-Vitara, set to be Suzuki's third model sourced from India, is a testament to this shift. The production and specifics of the e-Vitara share e-axle technology with Toyota, although further details about this collaboration are yet to be disclosed.
The Kiwi model of the S-Cross is currently being updated to Australian specifications, suggesting a closer alignment between the two markets. As Suzuki New Zealand moves towards a more electric future, the e-Vitara is poised to play a significant role in this transition.
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