Review: Suzuki Across
What is it?
While Suzuki might be best known for its range of compact and cheap-to-run models, it hasn’t always ventured into the larger area of the SUV segment. That changes with this - the Across - which is the first product to come from a collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota. Because, you see, this latest Suzuki model shares a platform with the popular Toyota RAV4.
That means Suzuki is able to capitalise on a tried-and-tested setup while adding its own spin on things. The question is, does the Across feel like a Suzuki in its own right or more of a rehash? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
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Of course, Suzuki isn’t able to change too much in the switch from RAV4 to Across, which is why the pair do look very similar from a lot of angles. In fact, put the two together and save for the Suzuki badges and a slightly more angular front end, the pair really are quite similar.
But that’s not such a bad thing. The Across benefits from the RAV4’s excellent plug-in hybrid setup as well as a solid build quality that Toyota has a longstanding reputation for.
What’s under the bonnet?
As we’ve touched upon, the Across adopts a plug-in hybrid setup which promises great flexibility and lower running costs. There’s a 2.5-litre petrol engine at the heart of the affair, with an electric motor mounted on the front axle. Combined, you get a heady 302bhp with 0-60mph coming in just 5.8 seconds. It’ll manage a top speed of 112mph, too.
Thanks to a large battery, the Across will manage up to 46 miles of electric-only running, too, with a full charge taking around six hours via a conventional home wallbox. With a fully topped-up battery, the Across could achieve a claimed 282.4mpg with CO2 emissions standing at a super-low 22g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
The Across is big, comfortable and sturdy from the get-go. The steering and major controls have a nice bit of weight to them, so it feels very secure from behind the wheel while all-wheel-drive means that there’s some extra traction being provided for when things get slippery.
While there might be over 300bhp at your disposal, you very rarely drive it flat-out, relying instead on that excellent all-electric range to get from A to B in silent comfort. During our time with the car - and during mixed driving - we saw close to 100mpg. Even with the batteries fully depleted, it was still managing a respectable 40mpg.
How does it look?
As we’ve mentioned, the Across isn’t dissimilar from the RAV4 but given that car’s decent proportions and design, it’s not such a bad thing. Suzuki hasn’t left everything alone, however, and has given the front end of the Across a more purposeful appearance which - to our eyes at least - looks more attractive than the Toyota’s.
It’s quite an imposing thing, too, what with its large black grille and 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s a refreshing change from Suzuki’s usually ‘cutesy’ approach to car styling.
What’s it like inside?
Much of the crossover from Toyota to Suzuki is carried on through to the interior of the Across. In fact, cover over the Suzuki badge and you could be convinced that you were in the donor car instead but, again, that’s not a real reason to criticise this SUV.
It’s got a chunky, everlasting approach to the build with nicely robust materials and intuative controls while overall spaciousness inside the Across is good too. There’s a 490-litre boot to use up as well, while there’s space under the floor for a full-size spare wheel which is quite a rarity in this day.
What’s the spec like?
There’s just one specification of Across, but it’s jam-packed with features as standard. Headline features include LED headlights, heated front and rear seats and adaptive cruise control, so it really does feel like Suzuki has taken a value-focused approach to the Across. It’s also got plenty of on-board safety technology including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
In fact, there’s no extra charge for metallic paint with the only options coming as dealer-fitted accessories.
Verdict
The Across is a fine example of why partnerships can work well. It stands above and beyond other Suzuki products in terms of its build quality and technology, while its plug-in hybrid setup will make it cheap to run and reliable, too.
Throw in a large boot and a very practical interior and you’ve got yourself which could rustle some feathers among the established SUV crowd.
