Suzuki's new compact SUV will also become a Toyota

Suzuki will supply Toyota with the new electric compact SUV to be produced in India from spring 2025

Photo by: Suzuki

By: Fabio Gemelli

Nov 3, 2024 at 3:34am ET

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Surprise! Suzuki's first electric SUV to be produced in India from 2025 will also be supplied to Toyota, which will also sell it worldwide under its own brand. The news confirms the two Japanese manufacturers' desire to "intensify collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles".

This means that the battery-powered compact SUV anticipated by the Suzuki eVX concept will be sold under both the Suzuki and Toyota brands, somewhat like other hybrid models are already being sold today. The short joint press release announcing the arrival of the new SUV makes no mention of the eVX, but it seems quite clear that it will be the production evolution of the concept unveiled in 2023.

Production in India from spring 2025

The announcement clearly mentions that Suzuki will supply Toyota with its new electric SUV, which will be produced in India's Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant from spring 2025.

Suzuki eVX Concept, the side view

Photos by: Suzuki

The new Suzuki/Toyota SUV has been designed exclusively with electric powertrain and is described as "an agile SUV with the driving characteristics of a BEV, featuring an ample range and a comfortable cabin" that is also available with 4WD and "offers exceptional drivability on rough roads and more powerful driving performance."

Suzuki eVX Concept, the interior

Photos by: Suzuki

The design of the car and electric platform was carried out jointly by Suzuki, Toyota and Daihatsu. In the absence of further details on the new Japanese model, which was born in India to be sold in major global markets, we can start with the features of the Suzuki eVX concept.

Challenging Kia EV3, smart #1 and the upcoming Fiat 'Giga Panda'

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The new SUV will therefore be around 4.30 metres long, i.e. the same length as the current Suzuki S-Cross and slightly less than the Toyota C-HR, available with two or four-wheel drive, will have a battery capacity of around 60 kWh and a range of up to 342 miles.

Fiat Giga Panda (2025), the render on Motor1.com

Kia EV3

smart #1

With these numbers, Suzuki and Toyota's new electric SUV will challenge other battery-powered compact SUVs such as the smart #1, the Kia EV3, the Peugeot e-2008, the MG ZS, the Hyundai Kona, the Opel-Vauxhall Frontera and the future Fiat 'Giga Panda'. The price has not yet been announced, but it is possible to imagine that production in India could help keep the base price below €30,000 (approx. £25,000).