Suzuki e-Survivor concept headed to Tokyo

Suzuki has revealed the e-Survivor concept, a small, tough, convertible SUV, ahead of the Tokyo motor show in October. As the name suggests, the e-Survivor is all-electric. It is illustrated to have an electric motor inside all four wheels, giving electric four-wheel drive.

Ultra-high ground clearance, huge wheel arches and almost nonexistent overhangs suggest class-leading approach and departure angles, and knobbly tyres cement its off-road ability. Suzuki also claims that lightweight construction is employed to improve this capability even further.  A two-seat layout and open roof hark back to the X-90 of the mid-1990s and Suzuki claims that the personalities behind the Jimny and Vitara are also present in the e-Survivor.  It’s built on a ladder frame, just like the upcoming Jimny, although the e-Survivor could be pitched at a market up to 100 years into the future.

In spite of the far-ahead projection, the e-Survivor still has a steering wheel and driver controls, suggesting that Suzuki predicts full autonomy will not reach this area of the market.  Suzuki celebrates its centenary in 2020, so the concept is akin to BMW’s Next 100 concepts revealed last year.

Also on Suzuki’s stand will be a series of minicar and kei car concepts, all destined for Suzuki’s native Japanese market.