\u201cSho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi\u201d. To define the design approach used for its first global BEV model, a brand as deeply rooted in Japanese culture as Suzuki could only express the concept in its mother tongue. Presenting the world premi\u00e8re of the e Vitara in Milan, President Toshihiro Suzuki explained to the international audience that \u201cSho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi means to make everything more compact, using fewer resources, light, fast, with more beauty. The e Vitara is a strategic model, a very important milestone for us as one of the efforts to become carbon neutral\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Suzuki](\"https:\/\/autodesignmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025010702_SuzukieVitara.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Long-standing experience in 4×4 vehicles<\/strong><\/span> Strong design with a hint of SUV heritage<\/strong><\/span> A bold and futuristic front<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe concept from which the work of the Suzuki design team in Japan started was \u201chigh tech & adventure\u201d, with the aim of blending the sophistication of an EV with the robustness of an SUV. The brand\u2019s long-standing tradition as a manufacturer of compact 4×4 vehicles was fundamental in setting the design, with a final result that is unprecedented but clearly identifiable with the Suzuki aesthetic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nKimitoshi Sato, Design manager of the Automobile Styling division, explains: \u201cAt the beginning, we conducted several explorations to define the exterior design and capture the right character of the e Vitara\u201d. \u2018Emotional Versatile Cruiser\u2019 is the image that guided the research. From the numerous sketches in the first phase, two proposals were identified and then developed into two scale models, says Sato: \u201cEach proposal was characterised by a strong design theme, with a fresh aesthetic, the typical toughness of the SUV and also a hint of Suzuki SUV heritage\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nBoth hypotheses were developed in 3D virtual and physical 1:1 models, until the final one was chosen. The detail refinements and aerodynamic optimisation then began, all the more important as it was an all-electric vehicle. \u201cWe wanted a design reminiscent of a wild animal, but also inspired by the digital\u201d, Sato continues, describing the highly sculpted design of the body. \u201cThe front end is clear, bold and futuristic. Clearly Suzuki<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>