Suzuki's first electric vehicle for Australia is officially on sale this month. The eVitara is a compact SUV offered in two grades: the front-wheel-drive Motion at $49,990 drive-away and the all-wheel-drive Ultra at $58,990 drive-away. Customers who are among the first 100 to pre-order before July 1 will pay $46,990 and $56,990 respectively.

The Motion uses a 49kWh battery paired with a 106kW/193Nm front motor, returning a claimed 344km WLTP range and a 9.6 second 0-100km/h time. The Ultra steps up to a 61kWh battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 135kW and 307Nm, with 395km of claimed range and a 7.4 second sprint time.

AC charging tops out at 11kW for both variants. DC fast charging is rated at 70kW, getting the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 45 minutes.

Where the four-star ANCAP rating fits

ANCAP tested the eVitara earlier this year and awarded four stars, not five. The rating was constrained by the adult occupant protection score and the absence of a head-protecting centre airbag between the front seats. That is a notable gap on a family-targeted SUV that costs nearly $50,000.

For reference, the MG4 EV Urban, the BYD Sealion 7, and the Tesla Model Y L all received five-star ANCAP ratings in 2026. The Suzuki badge carries a safety reputation built over decades. The four-star result does not undo that reputation, but it does complicate the showroom conversation.

The price problem

The eVitara's entry price of $49,990 drive-away sits well above the most competitive EVs currently on sale in Australia. The MG4 Urban starts at $31,990 drive-away. The BYD Atto 2 is $31,990 plus on-road costs. Even the GWM Ora 5 lands at $33,990 drive-away.

The Suzuki name commands a loyalty premium. The brand has earned it through decades of reliable small cars and the near-indestructible Jimny. But that premium has limits, and $18,000 above an MG of comparable size is a lot of brand goodwill to call in.

Cartell Assessment

The eVitara is a well-mannered first EV. Range is honest, the interior is tidy, and the AWD Ultra will appeal to anyone who needs genuine bad-weather capability without wanting a large SUV. But the four-star ANCAP result is a problem at this price point, and the Motion variant is up against Chinese competitors offering five-star safety for $18,000 less. Suzuki will sell these to loyal customers who wanted an EV with a Japanese badge. Whether it finds new customers is a harder question.

AU Outlook

Deliveries are expected from July 2026. First 100 orders get the reduced pricing, so the window is narrow. ANCAP has not yet indicated whether a reassessment is planned following any specification changes. Watch for Suzuki's response to the four-star result in the months ahead.