Maruti Suzuki has entered a new era in its journey by rolling out its first-ever electric SUV, the eVitara, manufactured in India. The much-anticipated SUV has already created a buzz by achieving a 4-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, a significant recognition for a made-in-India model. While its official India launch is around the corner, the safety validation adds strong credibility to the upcoming EV.
The Maruti Suzuki eVitara was put through rigorous testing at the Euro NCAP facility. These tests included frontal, side, whiplash, and pedestrian safety evaluations.
Frontal Impact: At 50 kmph, the SUV’s shell absorbed the collision efficiently. The structure remained intact, and the A-pillars stayed undamaged, highlighting its strong build quality.
Side Impact: The deformable barrier struck the driver’s door, and the eVitara managed to safeguard the cabin with timely airbag deployment.
Whiplash Protection: In rear-impact tests, the SUV offered good protection to passengers, reducing the risk of neck injuries.
Euro NCAP also tested its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and pedestrian safety features, all of which added positively to the SUV’s overall score.
The eVitara achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating due to its solid performance across multiple safety categories.
Adult Occupant Safety (AOS): 77%
Child Occupant Safety: 85%
Pedestrian Safety: 79%
Safety Assist (ADAS): 72%
While the SUV excelled in most areas, the Adult Occupant Safety score kept it just short of the full 5-star rating. AOS needed an 80% score, and with 77%, the SUV narrowly missed the mark.
The Maruti Suzuki eVitara is manufactured at Maruti’s Gujarat plant, which also caters to global markets. Its production faced initial delays due to the shortage of rare earth materials but has now picked up pace.
The Euro NCAP recognition not only boosts the SUV’s market appeal in Europe but also positions India as a competitive hub for producing safe, global-standard EVs.
The eVitara is built on the HEARTECT-e platform, designed specifically for electrification. It will be offered with two battery pack options:
49 kWh battery pack
61 kWh battery pack
The larger battery variant, available internationally, also comes with AWD and a dual-motor setup. While the exact driving range figures are yet to be officially disclosed, Maruti previously confirmed at the Bharat Mobility Expo that the SUV will deliver over 500 km of range on a single charge.
In India, both battery options will be launched, but AWD is unlikely to be offered initially, keeping costs competitive.
The Maruti Suzuki eVitara will enter the mid-size electric SUV segment in India, a category that is set to grow rapidly. It will directly rival upcoming models like the Hyundai Creta Electric, along with other mass-market EVs.
As with most Maruti products, the eVitara is expected to be priced aggressively to appeal to Indian buyers. This strategy could give it an edge in a market where price-to-value ratio plays a critical role.
Maruti Suzuki has been strengthening its SUV lineup steadily. Alongside the eVitara, the company recently introduced the Victoris, its new Arena flagship SUV, which earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. This demonstrates Maruti’s increasing focus on safety, technology, and global standards.
Conclusion
The Made-in-India Maruti Suzuki eVitara securing a 4-star Euro NCAP rating is a proud moment for the Indian auto industry. With robust safety features, multiple battery options, and a range exceeding 500 km, the SUV is poised to become a strong contender in both domestic and international markets.
Its upcoming India launch will mark Maruti Suzuki’s biggest leap into the electric mobility era, signaling a competitive challenge to established EV players.