• A glimpse of the all-new, all-electric e Vitara

  • Track activities to experience 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 will be fielding a diverse line-up of vehicles at this year’s Festival of Motoring, taking place from 28 to 30 August at the Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng.

The brand’s presence will be anchored in the Main Pits, where models such as the Fronx and Jimny 5-Door will be joined by a fully accessorised Swift and Across. The star of the show, however, is sure to be 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 is 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 introduces 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 are 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 on display represents the proposed local specification and shows that Suzuki has a battery-electric vehicle ready for potential introduction to South Africa, should market conditions support it.

In the Main Pits, guests can also sign up for passenger laps with professional drivers in selected Suzuki models, including the Swift, Baleno, Dzire and Fronx. The recently launched Across will also get its chance to show what it can do around the 4.529-kilometre Grand Prix circuit.

Just a short hop away, Kyalami’s Upper Pits will this year feature a diverse display of Suzuki sponsorship vehicles. These will include the Proteas-branded Jimny, Griquas-branded Jimny, Orlando Pirates-branded Jimny and NSRI-branded Jimny.

In addition, showgoers on Saturday and Sunday will have 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 will be on sale at the Suzuki Merchandise Stand.

Also in the Upper Pits, Suzuki Motorcycles will showcase its two-wheeled range, including the DR-150, DS-250, GSX-R1000 and Hayabusa. As in the Main Pits, visitors will also be able to sign up for track driving experiences in either a Swift, Baleno, Across or Fronx.

At the handling track, Suzuki will host a self-drive circuit where showgoers can get behind the wheel of a Grand Vitara, Across, Fronx, Swift or Dzire. At the 4x4 track, visitors can enjoy a passenger ride in a Jimny along a challenging off-road course before exploring the 4x4 display, which includes the full Jimny range, Grand Vitara, Across, a Heritage LJ and Heritage Vitara. Four Suzuki Safari motorcycles will round out the display.

Helping visitors move between the 4x4 track and various pit areas will be a free shuttle service utilising two XL6 and three Across models. In the main event parking area, a ‘Waterboy’-branded Eeco van will be 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,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

“This year is particularly exciting as we prepare 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’re 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 will be something for everyone at Kyalami. We look forward to welcoming visitors and sharing the Suzuki experience with them.”

Full event details and ticket bookings are available at safestivalofmotoring.com.

ENDS