A dawn of a new era began in the local sphere for a brand that has been going against the odds to become one of the hottest sellers in the SA market. Suzuki has officially launched its first-ever hybrid vehicle flagship, and it's called the Across. Try to count how many times you can spot Suzuki's name used in a sentence in the story.
Now, for clarity, one might remember that there was previously a mild hybrid setup in what, at the time, was the range-topping All-Grip Grand Vitara. However, due to some factors, Suzuki thought it was best to do away with it and leave the 4-speed auto GLX Grand Vitara as the peak choice in that model range.
Now, though the Japanese firm has revived this kind of technology in their product lineup by offering it as standard in the new flagship of the brand, the Across. The Across will use a 1.5-litre K15C 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 12V mild-hybrid system (SHVS), which produces 76 kW and 139 Nm, and has a claimed fuel return figure of 5. 3 l per 100 km. The SHVS is not connected to any of the wheels but rather the engine in an effort to assist in filling power gaps and lowering the rate of fuel consumption while doing so.
So then, their first bigger SUV flagship is one that is poised to cater to a big family and all of their luggage on normal and long trips across the country while keeping to an economically conscious theme-saving the world with the family.
On a styling front, the vehicle is a big departure from what we are used to, but the car does keep signature Suzuki elements . Starting at the front, we have contoured bonnet creases and new LED headlights that are connected by a chrome strip running across the grille, along with some tri-pattern DRLs and a semi-closed-off fascia as a nod to some kind of electrification happening in the vehicle.
Suzuki Across customers will have a lot of exterior colours available to choose from including Arctic White Pearl, Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Mystic Green Pearl, Magma Grey Metallic, Sizzling Red Metallic, Exuberant Blue Pearl Metallic and Bluish Black Pearl. GLX models have the option of three dual-tone paint finishes where Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Sizzling Red Metallic or Exuberant Blue Pearl Metallic can be contrasted with a roof skin in Bluish Black Pearl.
The side profile gains some black cladding and some dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels on the GL model and striking dual-tone 17-inch machined alloy wheels on the GLX. To finish off the side GL models are fitted with silver roof rails while on the GLX they adopt a grey finish.
Move along to the rear and you have this radical arch like lightbar that has the indicators, reverse lights and brake lights all integrated and of course, this bar runs across the length of the boot which is said to have 490-litre of space to fill and a full-size spare is also included. Above this lightbar feature you’ll find an integrated rear roof spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.
The cabin space is a complete change yet again. Here we have a new multifunctional design steering wheel that features leather, and on automatic models, an integrated paddle shifter. You also have a new 10-inch infotainment display that hosts a new UI, and the driver now receives a fully digital instrument cluster that shows directions when using your Google Maps or Waze apps. Convenience features include a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control, buttons to control the AC and volume, four USB Type-C ports, and a wireless charging pad with active cooling so your phone doesn't explode.
The Across gains these beautiful leather and cloth look which were quite comfy and electronically adjusted for the drivers seat. On hot days, Suzuki was excited to announce that this car will be available with a seat cooling function whilst noting that there have been some well welcomed features that are making a appearance for the first time in any Suzuki model. These are a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including DSBS II, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention and lane keep assist. Additional safety technologies include a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and weave alert.
The drive. This car left me very surprised at just how well it held itself-both through the different road conditions and the various weather climates Cape Town has to offer. The car's newfound fleet of ADAS systems came in handy on the highway, with lane-keeping assist nudging you back into line if you stray (quickly switched that off because I know what I'm doing here, right?). When we came across cyclists or Capetonians jogging on the streets, the car's collision warnings activated beforehand to let you know there is an obstacle along the way, so be careful.
The driving position is one of the easier ones to obtain in the Across, thanks to a more adjustable setup for the seats and steering wheel when compared to the Grand Vitara. The vehicle also gains a noticeably softer and more stable ride that can handle both calm and hard driving, which again left one impressed. However, the brake pedal feels quite mushy upon application and then suddenly comes through. Could it be that the braking is somehow connected to the SHVS system? Well, I think we should investigate as soon as we get this car on test. Nonetheless, it seems to be a typical good Suzuki that just looks to increase levels of comfort, technology, and packaging, which might very well be their best bet.
The Suzuki Across is available in GL and GLX trim. Pricing is as follows :
Across GL MT : R349 900
Across GL AMT : R372 900
Across GLX AMT : R464 900
The Across comes with a 4 year/100 000km service plan - 5 year/100 000km promotional warranty