Made-in-India Suzuki eVitara scores four-star EURO NCAP crash test rating

The made-in-India Suzuki eVitara born-electric SUV is gearing up for its European debut, and ahead of its arrival, it has achieved a four-star rating in the latest EURO NCAP crash test evaluations.

The report released by Euro NCAP states that in the frontal impact test at 50 kmph, the eVitara’s structure performed impressively. The shell absorbed the impact well, with the A-pillars remaining undamaged. The SUV was tested under two scenarios — first, with 50 percent of the front colliding into a deformable barrier, and second, with the entire front crashing into a rigid barrier. It was also put through a side impact test, where a mobile deformable barrier struck the driver’s door, along with a whiplash test. In all cases, the airbags deployed on time and the SUV demonstrated strong occupant protection.

Euro NCAP also evaluated the eVitara for pedestrian and motorist safety, as well as ADAS performance. The SUV scored 77 percent in Adult Occupant Safety, 85 percent in Child Occupant Safety, 79 percent in Pedestrian Safety, and 72 percent in Safety Assist. While the eVitara performed well overall, it narrowly missed out on a five-star rating, as its 77 percent Adult Occupant Safety score fell just short of the 80 percent threshold required.

The eVitara is based on the HEARTECT-e platform and will be offered with two battery pack options — 49 kWh and 61 kWh. Internationally, the larger battery variant is available with AWD or a dual-motor setup. While exact range figures are yet to be revealed, Maruti has claimed a driving range of over 500 km during its presentation at the Bharat Mobility Expo earlier this year.

The Maruti eVitara’s India launch is expected to follow the recent introduction of Maruti’s new Arena flagship SUV, the Victoris, which secured a five-star rating at Bharat NCAP.