If the Suzuki Across sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because it is. The plug-in hybrid SUV is a rebadged and re-cut Toyota Rav4, a product of the new strategic partnership between Suzuki and Toyota which also saw Suzuki launch the Swace, a station wagon model derived from Toyota’s C-segment Corolla.
The Suzuki lineup is a much stronger proposition for the partnership, the Across gives the Japanese automaker a bigger SUV option than the S-Cross, previously the team’s largest car, while the introduction of the Swace is Suzuki’s first foray into the C-segment (still an important class in Europe) in several years. Speaking of Europe, Suzuki also benefits from Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology and the introduction of the Across and Swace models has helped the manufacturer achieve the average emission levels required by European regulations. In return, Toyota has access to Suzuki’s expertise and network in the Indian market, where Suzuki is a major player.
How is the Suzuki Across different from the Toyota Rav 4?
So how is the Across different from the Rav4? The grille has been redesigned with a wider mouth and a new setting for the front fog lights. The placement of the badge is different and the headlights have a more aggressive tilt. Externally, that’s about it. The SUV’s muscular figure and chunky shoulders are unchanged and, badge aside, even the alloy rims are the same.
The interiors of both cars appear identical in terms of layout and equipment, right down to the stitching on the synthetic leather steering wheel, and it works very well in Suzuki’s favor, the sturdy build quality and the quality of the materials are superior to all the rest of the Suzuki team. . The Across is available in a single premium trim level, while Toyota offers three options to choose from (Design, Dynamic and Dynamic Premium). The center console is dominated by a high-resolution nine-inch touchscreen although, unlike the Toyota, the Across does not have a built-in satellite navigation system, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The mechanical basics of the Suzuki Across are the same as those of the Rav 4 PHEV, however, while the Toyota is available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle, Suzuki only offers the plug-in hybrid option, powered by the same 2 , 5 liters. motor.
A crucial difference between the two cars beyond the badge, is the price. The entry-level designed Toyota Rav4 plug-in hybrid sells for £ 46,495, while the Suzuki Across costs £ 45,599.
Drive the Suzuki through
The advantage of a plug-in hybrid car over a standard all-electric or hybrid car is that, in theory, you get the best of both worlds: all-electric driving for short city trips and range. a gasoline engine for longer trips. In the case of the Across, the all-electric range is 47 miles – considerably less than contemporary EV ranges, but comparable to other modern plug-in hybrid competitors. Our test looked at a variety of different driving environments, from downtown to the freeway and even easy off-road rides and the Across handled each of the environments impressively.
In EV mode, the throttle response is far away from the lights, and in our test the estimated range of 47 miles seemed pretty close to the feat. On the motorway section of our route, the Across took on its full meaning. Well in its cruising comfort zone, the Across is also decently quick for such a big car when you put your foot on the ground. With a 0-62 mph figure of six seconds flat and a top speed of 112 mph, the Across is able to use the combination of gasoline and electricity to its advantage, with over 300 hp when you combine the power of gasoline and two electric motors.
The only minus is the noise from the CVT gearbox which, like most examples of the breed, is slightly squeaky and shifted with the feeling of acceleration to one ear conditioned to more traditional transmissions. That said, the sound insulation inside the cabin is generally quite good.
Verdict
Cheaper than the Toyota model it is based on, but with all the lively performance and low emissions benefits, the Across is a real highlight for the Suzuki lineup. It may also be a model that allows Suzuki to carve out a share of the company car market because, with CO2 emissions of less than 50g / km and an electric range of 47 miles, the SUV will benefit from the benefit in kind rate of 7%. if registration before the end of 2022.
Price: £ 45,599; Motor: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, turbo, gasoline with two electric motors; Power: 301 hp; Couple: n / A; Transmission: CVT, all-wheel drive; Top speed: 112 mph; 0-62 mph: Six seconds; Economy: 282.4 mpg; CO2 emissions: 22g / km; EV range: 47 miles
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-09-04 11:00:00
