Toyota has confirmed launching a new electric SUV based on Suzuki’s upcoming EV model. This SUV, set to be built in India starting next spring, is a variant of the Suzuki eVX, which was unveiled initially at the Auto Expo in Delhi last year.
The collaboration makes it easier for both car makers to enter the quintessential market of affordable electric models at a profitable level.
Since their partnership in 2016, Toyota and Suzuki have engaged in regional model exchanges. Toyota allowed Suzuki to sell modified versions of its Corolla Touring Sports and RAV4 in Europe under the names Swace and Across, respectively.
Conversely, Suzuki vehicles like the Baleno and Celerio have been rebadged as Toyota’s Glanza and Vitz in specific markets.
Finetuning in Zaventem?
The new compact SUV model takes the collaboration a step further. It marks the first time that Toyota will offer a Suzuki-developed vehicle and the first time Toyota is integrating a joint EV in its line-up.
The model will be offered globally, meaning it will also be available at Belgian dealerships. Presumably, the final tuning of the European versions will be conducted in the technical center in Zaventem, Belgium.
The new electric SUV will be a reimagined version of Suzuki’s eVX, sharing core design characteristics with the Toyota Urban SUV concept unveiled in December 2023.
This concept highlighted the versatility and agility necessary for city driving in a rugged-looking package. Both Toyota and Suzuki describe the model as “nimble” and “capable.”
Both variants share a body length of 4.3 meters and will use the same platform and overall shape, though specific body panels, light clusters, and fascias will set the technical twins apart.
Departure from urban-focused crossovers
Notably, Toyota and Suzuki developed this EV’s platform alongside a third partner: Daihatsu, wholly owned by the first. Designed as a dedicated EV from the ground up, the SUV is built with a keen eye on developing markets like India.
Despite its city car dimensions, it features four-wheel drive, is expected to perform well on rough terrain, and can be considered a departure from many urban-focused electric crossovers.
Suzuki plans to build both versions in Gujarat, India, which will help both car makers cut labor costs without facing excessive import tariffs like the Chinese brands.
550 km range
Suzuki revealed an anticipated range of approximately 550 kilometers for the eVX concept (from a 60 kWh pack), a promising figure for EV buyers who need a convincing range and a low price to switch to a battery-powered driveline. In India, the eVX is slated for 22 lakh or 24,200 euro.
Koji Sato, Toyota’s president, underscored the significance of the collaboration, stating, “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles.”
Suzuki’s President, Toshihiro Suzuki, shared this sentiment, calling the expanded partnership a critical step toward Suzuki’s carbon-neutral goals.
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