THE new all-electric eVitara is a ‘get-out-of-jail' car for Suzuki.

Well, maybe jail is too strong a word. But the Japanese firm faced the possibility of heavy fines if it didn't axe some petrol models and focus more on battery cars.

Until now, somewhat surprisingly, Suzuki lacked a pure BEV, though no shortage of hybrids. But, with the help of a useful alliance with Toyota to share engineering, it recently launched the eVitara, a smart-looking junior SUV with a choice of two battery sizes and the option of two or four-wheel-drive.

Though it bears the long-established Vitara name, it shares little with the established ICE model, which continues to be sold. The new car is longer, chunkier and more luxurious as well as being noticeably quicker.

We tried the 181bhp version with 4WD. The 61kWh battery is claimed to allow a range of 266 miles, while the smaller version is said to cover 214 miles. In our hands, however, no more than 200 miles could be squeezed into the battery.

Obvious competitors to the eVitara are likely to be the Ford Puma Gen-E and the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Step into the eVitara and it feels far more up to date than the Vitara with plenty of soft touch plastics, gloss black paint, and a dual colour dash. Electrically adjustable front seats are comfortable and well-shaped and it's easy find a suitable driving position.

Cabin stowage space is about average with generous door pockets and a smallish tray in the centre divider plus a box which doubles as an armrest and a passenger side cubby.

Boot space is less spacious thanks to the high platform. It holds 244 litres which is small by hatch standards , let alone judged alongside rival SUVs.

We weren't too happy with the method of opening the tailgate. The handle is concealed under the tailgate lip, meaning we had run our hand along the metal - inevitably covered in dirt from the road - in order to open it.

Passengers are well catered for and get ample head and legroom in the rear. The rear bench slides forward to slightly increase cargo space.

The touchscreen has decent graphics but the action is too sluggish for the driver to easily operate of the move. Just activating the heated seats takes three prods of a finger.

Sound insulation is good and helps make the new model feel a much more grown-up driving experience than the Vitara. Acceleration is pleasantly nippy with little drama or commotion. 62mph comes up in less than eight seconds and the pick-up from low speed is impressively nimble.

Another appealing quality for keen drivers is the competent road holding. The car feels well-planted through tight bends and sweeping curves with just enough body movement to soak up bumps without provoking too much body roll. Overall, a pleasing driving experience.

Use of the heater, wipers and heated seats and steering wheel take their toll on battery power. So a keen eye needs to be kept on the range.

The eVitara in Allgrip four-wheel-drive guise is quite a niche model but will no doubt appeal strongly to country dwellers conscious of the environment.

£34,049

Twin electric motor, 61kWh, 181bhp, driving all 4 wheels via singles speed automatic gearbox

93mph

7.4sec

245miles

27

0

3%

10yrs/100,000 miles

4.0