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The Advertiser
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Hybrids to dominate Suzuki Australia's electrification future
As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross axed in major Australian market
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. "At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. "Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? "Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon. "There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued. Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up". Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. "They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon. "We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. "They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year." The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom Content originally sourced from: Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. "At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. "Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? "Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon. "There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued. Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up". Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. "They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon. "We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. "They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year." The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom Content originally sourced from: Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. "At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. "Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? "Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon. "There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued. Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up". Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. "They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon. "We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. "They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year." The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom Content originally sourced from: Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. "At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. "Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? "Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon. "There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued. Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up". Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. "They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon. "We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. "They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year." The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross axed in major Australian market
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. 'At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back,' Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. 'Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it],' he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? 'Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market,' explained Mr Dillon. 'There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve,' Mr Dillon continued. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: 'it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up'. Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. 'They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid,' said Mr Dillon. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. 'They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year.' The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. Supplied Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom
7NEWS
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross axed in major Australian market
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross. 'At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back,' Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. 'Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it],' he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow? 'Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market,' explained Mr Dillon. 'There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve,' Mr Dillon continued. Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide. The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing. That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV. The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock. The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: 'it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up'. Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026. While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline. 'They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid,' said Mr Dillon. 'We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage. 'They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year.' The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013. Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated. The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019. ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026. In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK. Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid. Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia. Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent). That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples.
The Advertiser
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia
The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from: The current Suzuki Vitara is gaining a hybrid powertrain next year, when the unrelated but similarly named electric e-Vitara will join the Japanese small car brand's local lineup. Both small crossover SUVs are due in Australia during the first quarter of 2026. The e-Vitara will be Suzuki's first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, but for now the brand isn't publishing pricing or specification details. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Revealed in November 2024, the e-Vitara is built on the Heartect-e platform developed in collaboration with Daihatsu and Toyota. Depending on the market, it'll be offered in a choice of single-motor front-wheel drive configurations: one with a 49kWh battery and a 106kW/189Nm electric motor, the other with a 61kWh battery and outputs of 128kW and 189Nm. There's also a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that gains a 48kW rear motor, bumping total outputs up to 135kW and 300Nm. It's offered with the larger of the two batteries. All-wheel drive variants feature a Trail mode that's said to offer the functionality of a limited-slip differential. The e-Vitara measures 100mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than the combustion-powered Vitara, riding a 200mm longer wheelbase. It weighs between 1702kg and 1899kg. It will serve as a rival to the likes of the Chery E5, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jeep Avenger, and Kia EV3. The Vitara Hybrid was originally confirmed for a late 2024 launch in Australia back in early 2024, but has been the subject of delays. Suzuki subsequently revealed a facelift for the Hungarian-built Vitara in April 2024, bringing upgrades to its suite of active safety and driver assist technology, as well as a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a refreshed front fascia. The Vitara is offered in Europe with a choice of two powertrains, both offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system opens the range, producing 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque. Optional is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with 75kW and 138Nm, mated with a 24.6kW/60Nm electric motor, a 140V lithium-ion battery, and a six-speed automated manual transmission. Arriving before the e-Vitara and Vitara Hybrid is the new Fronx light crossover SUV (pictured below), which goes on sale nationwide on September 1, 2025. Suzuki says this Fronx – short for 'Frontier Crossover' – will solidify its presence in the light SUV segment and "open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV". Revealed in January 2023, the Fronx measures 3995mm long, which slots it between the pint-size Ignis (which is in runout mode) and the Vitara. Production of the petrol-powered Vitara and Ignis ended for Australia earlier this year, along with the S-Cross and Swift Sport. The Ignis and Swift Sport were at the end of their life cycles, but the others live on in other markets. Production ended due to these vehicles – along with the three-door Jimny off-roader – lacking autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems that meet performance standards mandated in Australia from March 1, 2025. Suzuki Australia confirmed in February it had enough stock of the aforementioned vehicles to last into 2025. We've contacted Suzuki Australia to confirm how much stock is left of these. MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom Content originally sourced from:
