Suzuki Across – 2023
By Ian Strachan.
Suzuki’s expanding range now includes a plug-in hybrid – the Suzuki Across – thanks to the manufacturer’s collaborative business agreement with Toyota.
The result is a sporty four wheel drive SUV based on Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid, allowing Suzuki to enter o expand its range, as well as dip its toe into the high-value electric SUV market.
The result is a single-model offering with green credentials, impressive performance and up-to-the-minute technology.
As well as its green credentials, the single-model Across has a pleasing design, with a purposeful stance, chunky wheel-arch mouldings, a deep grille and feline headlights. Polished 19-inch alloy wheels complete the look.
The Across comes with a 2.5 litre 185 PS petrol engine, coupled to a powerful 134kw electric motor which powers the car when the petrol engine isn’t required, and gives you an electric-only range of around miles. The switch from petrol to electric and back is seamless and the combined output rises to 302 bhp. The engine is married to a stepless CVT automatic gearbox.
With electric assistance you get impressive fuel economy. Published figures for mixed driving are 42.9 mpg. CO2 emissions are low for a big vehicle at 22 g/km.
The Across comes in a single trim level, which gives you electronic 4×4, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a multimedia audio system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity via a nine-inch touchscreen, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear parking camera, automatic tailgate, steering assist and lane departure warning, dynamic cruise control, blind spot monitor and black roof rails.
The Across comes at £45,599 on the road, which is expensive and puts it into territory occupied by some more vaunted SUVs. However, if you keep the electric motor fully charged up and don’t go on long journeys you may never visit a petrol station again.
My only criticism of this excellent 4×4 is that, despite its high specification and price, it comes without a satnav. Not everyone has a smartphone with a navigation app so at that’s a big omission.
Apart from that grumble, the cabin of the Across is a very comfortable place to be, thanks to a good use of high quality trim materials and simple, well-placed instruments. There’s lots of storage space, and space for driver and front seat passengers is generous. There’s a large 490-litre luggage compartment, accessed by a kick-operated tailgate.
Performance from the 2.5 litre unit is more than adequate, with no flat spots across the range. Handling is confident and controlled with good suspension and no body roll.
This stylish, versatile and sporty-looking SUV is a welcome addition to Suzuki’s range and moves the brand into new territory.
