Suzuki’s new plug-in SUV

● New mid-size SUV joins Suzuki range with plug-in power ● RAV4-based model is first product of joint venture with Toyota

SUZUKI has revealed an all-new SUV called the Across, which is the first model from the Japanese brand to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will go on sale in the UK towards the end of year, priced from almost £40,000.

If you think the Across looks familiar, you’d be right; the Suzuki is a restyled and rebadged version of the Toyota RAV4. The two brands recently confirmed a partnership to work together on electrified vehicles, and the Across is the first result of that venture. Later in the year, Suzuki will also launch a new hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla.

Visually, the Across differs from the RAV4 with new front and rear bumpers, a redesigned grille, new LED headlamps and a pair of reshaped tail-lights. Buyers also get a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and a choice of six different paint finishes.

Inside, the Across features a multifunction steering wheel, air-conditioning and a nineinch touchscreen infotainment system, which offers support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Suzuki claims the new car has a boot capacity of 490 litres.

Under the bonnet, the Across is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which comprises a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors, one mounted on each axle. Combined, the system has an output of 180bhp and 270Nm of torque – which Suzuki says will offer a maximum all-electric range of 47 miles.

The Suzuki’s plug-in powertrain comes with a range of driver profiles, which allow the SUV to operate in either hybrid or fully electric mode. There’s also an extra setting that holds the battery’s charge level, as well as a battery charger mode which tops up the battery using the engine. However, this mode will adversely affect fuel economy.

Finally, there’s a Trail setting, which Suzuki says will manipulate the car’s differential and braking system to provide the best performance off-road. The system automatically sends power to the wheels with the most grip – and brakes the wheels that are losing traction – while adjusting the throttle and gearbox shift pattern to keep the Across moving.

Buyers also get a wealth of safety equipment, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, road-sign assist and a blind-spot monitoring system. In addition to that, there’s rear cross-traffic alert and active cruise control, which can operate the SUV’s throttle and braking automatically when driving in stop-start traffic.

ENHANCED Dashboard has been carried over from the RAV4, but with some bespoke Suzuki extras