- A glimpse of the all-new, all-electric e Vitara
- Track activities that experienced Suzuki models first-hand
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with selected Proteas National Cricket Team, Suzuki Griquas and Orlando Pirates Football Club players
From compact city cars to new EVs and rugged 4x4s, Suzuki Auto South Africa fielded a diverse line-up of vehicles at this year’s Festival of Motoring, which took place from 28 to 30 August at the Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng.
The brand’s presence was anchored in the Main Pits, where models such as the Fronx and Jimny 5-Door were joined by a fully accessorised Swift and Across. The star of the show, however, was the all-new e Vitara – Suzuki’s first battery-electric vehicle.
Merging the familiar compact-SUV formula with zero tailpipe emissions, the e Vitara builds on the pioneering nameplate’s 38-year legacy with a new electric powertrain. The model on display at Festival of Motoring was the 4WD variant, which pairs a 61kWh battery pack with dual electric motors. Combined, they develop 135kW and 307Nm of torque, with a calculated WLTP range of 395km. In keeping with the adventurous spirit of its forebears, this derivative comes equipped with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP-e four-wheel-drive system, which provides drive to both axles and adds traction when conditions demand it. While drivers can switch between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, Trail mode and hill-descent control add an extra level of confidence when covering challenging terrain.
Inside, the e Vitara introduced a new Integrated Display System, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, alongside a comprehensive package of comfort, connectivity and safety features. These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360º camera, Suzuki’s Dual Sensor Brake Support II, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert and seven airbags. Other highlights were the 12-colour interior ambient lighting, heated front seats, a glass roof with sunshade, an Infinity sound system with a subwoofer and dashboard speakers, as well as a wireless smartphone charger.
The e Vitara which was displayed represented the proposed local specification and showed that Suzuki has a battery-electric vehicle ready for potential introduction to South Africa, should market conditions support it.
In the Main Pits, guests could also sign up for passenger laps with professional drivers in selected Suzuki models, including the Swift, Baleno, Dzire and Fronx. The recently launched Across also had its chance to show what it could do around the 4.529-kilometre Grand Prix circuit.
Just a short hop away, Kyalami’s Upper Pits featured a diverse display of Suzuki sponsorship vehicles. These included the Proteas-branded Jimny, Griquas-branded Jimny, Orlando Pirates-branded Jimny and NSRI-branded Jimny.
In addition, showgoers on Saturday and Sunday had special meet-and-greet and autograph opportunities with selected members of the Proteas National Cricket Team, Suzuki Griquas and Orlando Pirates Football Club. Official Proteas National Cricket Team, Suzuki Griquas and Orlando Pirates Football Club jerseys were also on sale at the Suzuki Merchandise Stand.
Also in the Upper Pits, Suzuki Motorcycles showcased its two-wheeled range, including the DR-150, DS-250, GSX-R1000 and Hayabusa. As in the Main Pits, visitors were be able to sign up for track driving experiences in either a Swift, Baleno, Across or Fronx.
At the handling track, Suzuki hosted a self-drive circuit where showgoers got behind the wheel of a Grand Vitara, Across, Fronx, Swift or Dzire. At the 4x4 track, visitors enjoyed a passenger ride in a Jimny along a challenging off-road course before exploring the 4x4 display, which included the full Jimny range, Grand Vitara, Across, a Heritage LJ and Heritage Vitara. Four Suzuki Safari motorcycles rounded out the display.
Helping visitors move between the 4x4 track and various pit areas was a free shuttle service utilising two XL6 and three Across models. In the main event parking area, a ‘Waterboy’-branded Eeco van was handing out complimentary refreshments.
“The Festival of Motoring is always a highlight on our calendar because it gives us the opportunity to showcase the breadth of the Suzuki brand and let visitors experience our vehicles in a way they simply can’t through a showroom,” said Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.
“This year was particularly exciting as we prepared to give South Africans their first look at the e Vitara, our first battery-electric vehicle, alongside an extensive line-up of Suzuki cars, motorcycles and lifestyle activations. Whether you were looking to experience a new model around the track, test the capability of a Jimny off-road or simply explore what Suzuki has to offer, there was something for everyone at Kyalami. We enjoyed welcoming visitors and sharing the Suzuki experience with them.”
Full event details available at safestivalofmotoring.com.