Japanese car manufacturer, Suzuki has introduced the new Across mid-sized premium SUV in the European market. The new Suzuki Across comes equipped with a Plug-in Hybrid system and E-Four electronic 4×4 system. It is basically the re-badged version of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
What’s Suzuki Across?
For people not in the know, Suzuki and Toyota joined hands to develop new cars, platforms and technologies for global as well as Indian market. The Toyota Glanza, based on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, was the first product launched under the new partnership. And, the Across is the first model supplied from Toyota under the new agreement. The SUV is scheduled to be launched in the European market in the second half of this year.
The Suzuki ACross will be the brand’s biggest SUV and will sit above the Vitara in the brand’s global market. The new model shares most of its body panels with the Toyota RAV4; however, few of the design elements will be shared with the upcoming Corolla Cross. The Toyota Corolla Cross will be the low-cost mid-sized SUV, which will be launched in the ASEAN markets in the next couple of months.
Dimensions
In terms of proportions, the Suzuki ACross is 4,635mm in length, 1,855mm in width and 1,690mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,690mm. The SUV is claimed to have a ground clearance of 190mm. It offers a boot space of 490-litres, which can be further extended up to 1,604-litres by folding the rear seats.
Under the Bonnet?
Similar to the body panels and the platform, the Suzuki ACross shares the powertrain from the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The hybrid system comprises of a 175bhp, 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a pair of electric motors – a 182bhp/270Nm motor on the front axele and 54bhp/121Nm motor at the rear. The SUV is claimed to offer a top speed of 180kmph. It features Suzuki’s E-Four electronic 4×4 system. The combined power output is yet to be announced, but RAV4’s hybrid unit offers 300bhp.
The Suzuki ACross also offers 4 different driving modes including a pure electric EV mode, Auto EV/HV and HV mode (Petrol Motor offering power boosts) and battery charger mode (Petrol Only). The SUV’s 18.1kWh battery offers a pure electric range of 75km.
Styling & Interior
The design of the Suzuki Across is very similar to that of the RAV4, featuring LED headlamps with a bi-beam projector and LED daytime running lights, a large open grille and a bumper with prominent silver under garnish. It features 19-inch alloy wheels with black gloss coating. The European-spec model is available in 6 exterior colour options – White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Sensual Red Mica, Grey Metallic and Dark Blue Mica.
The interior of the Suzuki ACross is directly sourced from the Toyota RAV4, featuring premium quality upholstery and soft touch materials. It is equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink support. It also gets convenient storage spaces such as driver’s and passenger’s side trays, centre tray, cupholders and a console box.
The Suzuki ACross is equipped with several high-end safety and security features such as Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert, brake hold and many more.
Suzuki ACross India Launch?
Suzuki has no plans to launch the Across SUV in the Indian market. The Toyota RAV4 won’t make its way to our market. In India, Maruti Suzuki will supply its vehicles to Toyota. Similar to the Glanza, Toyota will introduce the Vitara Brezza based compact SUV – Urban Cruiser. The duo is also working on an all-new C-segment MPV and an all-new mid-sized SUV.
