Suzuki adds electrification to SUV range

SUZUKI Australia has announced the arrival of three all-new SUV models it says signifies a new era of innovation, sustainability, and style, continuing its legacy of reliability, combined with cutting-edge design and technology to meet the needs of Australian motorists.

Two hybrid and one battery electric vehicles – a first for the Suzuki brand – will arrive in local showrooms shortly, including the keenly anticipated Fronx, a coupe-styled SUV with compact proportions and the latest Suzuki safety technology.

Replacing the Ignis in the Suzuki Australia line-up, the Fronx is yet to be priced or specified, but is understood to feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance and six-speed automatic transmission.

GoAuto understands the Light SUV segment Fronx will be offered with LED lighting, faux leather upholstery, a two-tier cargo area, heated front seats, a head-up display system, wireless phone charger, rear USB outlets, and more.

In Japan, the Suzuki Fronx is offered with a substantial list of safety kit including a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, auto high beam, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and up to six airbags.

“With the launch of the all-new Fronx Hybrid, we’re combining unique sporty styling with SUV heritage, to deliver an exciting new product to our line-up,” said Suzuki Australia general manager Michael Pachota.

“Not only solidifying our presence in the Light SUV segment, but this vehicle will also open the doors to younger buyers looking to upgrade from a smaller hatchback to an SUV.”

The Suzuki Fronx is expected to go on sale locally from September 1.

Joining its mild-hybrid stablemate is the Vitara Hybrid, expected in local showrooms in the first quarter of 2026.

The Small segment SUV will introduce hybrid power to the Vitara range for the first time in Australia, though like the Fronx, specification and equipment details are yet to be divulged.

In other markets, the Vitara Hybrid is available as a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol model with mild-hybrid assistance making a useful 96kW of power. It is said to use as little as 5.3 litres per 100km on the WLTP cycle, or 0.6 litres less than the currently available Vitara Turbo.

The other alternative open to Suzuki is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric Vitara Hybrid making 100kW/198Nm of total system power.

In other markets, it features a six-speed automated manual transmission and is available as a four-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is listed at as little as 5.0 litres per 100km (WLTP).

“Introducing a hybrid powertrain into our popular Vitara range is a major milestone,” said Mr Pachota.

“It shows our commitment to sustainable mobility and expands the options for customers seeking more environmentally friendly driving without sacrificing the performance or features they know and love.”

Suzuki Australia said the Vitara Hybrid will introduce enhanced fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, and modern convenience to the range.

Finally, the battery-powered e Vitara will arrive as Suzuki’s first fully electric model when it joins the Vitara Hybrid in local showrooms from Q1 next year (2026).

As before, Suzuki Australia has not detailed equipment or specification details for the model, GoAuto understanding it will ride on the group’s Heartect-e platform shared with Daihatsu and Toyota, offering a choice of 49kWh and 61kWh battery options for a claimed respective range of 344km and 401km (WLTP).

Front- and all-wheel drive (ALLGRIP-e) variants are available, making 106kW and 135kW respectively.

“The e Vitara is our bold step into the future of mobility,” said Mr Pachota.

“It delivers on everything Suzuki drivers expect including reliability, capability and value, and now zero-emissions performance. It’s a proud moment as we take our first leap into the electric space.”

Mr Pachota said features, specifications, and an official release date for the Australian Market will be the subject of future announcements.