Across ahead D of the game
GILES BLAIR explains why Suzuki’s latest and high-quality plug-in hybrid SUV is likely to prove very popular with many family motorists
SUZUKI is making a bold move into new upmarket territory with the Across family SUV – and it should prove very popular.
The Japanese marque is an expert at making smaller, keenly priced, four-wheel-drive vehicles, from the Ignis up to the S-Cross.
But the Across is a result of its collaboration with Toyota and based on the fairly sizeable RAV4, so will appeal to those who want a larger family transporter.
It’s also Suzuki’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), delivering both a performance and capability that are really quite remarkable.
And this SUV is packed with luxury touches and sophisticated features that befits its £45,599 price – and it certainly has real kerb appeal.
Unlike many rivals that are quite bland, it has a bold, sporty and rugged design, with sharp creases and flowing lines combined with robust SUV features. Front on, the large grille and fog light housings are framed by sleek LED headlights that are linked by a gloss black band and there’s a silver scuff plate.
The profile makes good use of gloss black finishing to accentuate the roof rails, side sills and large wheel arches housing unique black and silver 19in alloys.
The rear is as bold as the front, with further prominent use of gloss black around the window and lower bumper area, as well as the tail lights.
These chunky rear lamps are linked by an eye-catching, dynamic, silver bar. I found the Across turned heads wherever I went.
Step inside and the quality continues, with an abundance of soft-touch materials, chrome detailing and contrasting red stitching.
The faux leather and cloth seats are superbly comfortable and supportive, while the cabin
H drivers have been given a reminder not to leave idling unnecessarily as it’s not only bad for the ent but could also land them in trouble with the law. tes at the recent COP26 climate summit in Glasgow mmed after allegations that fancy chauffeur-driven were spotted parked up in nearby streets with their unning. s claimed it sent out a bad message as world leaders ng out plans to reduce the impact of fossil fuels on h of the planet. otoring experts have pointed out that the practice – d during freezing weather to help heat cars – is also illegal, as it of the Highway Code. McClure Fisher, from leading motoring association MotorEasy, e 123 of the Highway Code states, ‘You must not leave a vehicle nning unnecessarily while the vehicle is stationary on a public road.’ enforced under Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, with local es able to issue a fine of up to £80. And as well as being against the offers plenty of room for passengers to stretch out. With families in mind, there are lots of storage options, a mains voltage outlet, two 12-volt connections and two USB sockets.
Meanwhile, the 490-litre boot is more than capable of carrying the family luggage and folding the back seat gives you a useful 1168litre load area.
The safety systems are first-class, too, and include a collision-prevention set-up, lane keeping function, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
Added to that are a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and emergency call system should the worst happen.
I also found the electronic brake hold function and kick-operated electric tailgate opening feature particularly useful.
Infotainment is a key part of family journeys these days and the Across has a smartphonecompatible, law, it’s obviously not great for the environment to have increased emissions escaping into the atmosphere.”
A study carried out last year found that a whopping 60 per cent of UK motorists were unaware it’s illegal to sit in a stationary vehicle while the engine is running.
The research, by car giants Renault, also discovered male drivers were 50 per cent more likely to leave the engine running on the school run than females.
The idling rules even apply if you are attempting to defrost your windscreen during cold weather. And it’s a situation that often occurs when waiting at a red light or in heavy traffic.
However, many modern cars are fitted with stop-start systems that turn the engine off when stationary.
The idling rule is one of a host of lesser-known regulations set out in the Highway Code that have the potential to catch people out.
Others include sleeping in a car when drunk, beeping your horn while stationary and paying at a drive-through with a mobile phone. nine-inch touchscreen atop the dash with DAB radio.
Other goodies include keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, heated seats and steering wheel, dualzone climate control and auto lights and wipers.
The powertrain consists of a 185PS 2.5-litre petrol engine, 134kW front motor and 40kW rear motor, automatic transmission and sophisticated all-wheel-drive set-up.
Drivers have a choice of four modes – default EV, Auto EV/HV, HV and battery charger, the latter using petrol power to rejuice the 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack on the move.
Further settings consist of Eco, Normal and Sport that alter the throttle response as well as Trail mode that features an automatic limited slip diff for when the going gets really tough.
With a combined power output of 306PS, the Across sprints to 62mph in an impressive six seconds and has a top speed of 112mph. And an all-electric range of 46.6 miles means in theory this car has CO2 emissions of 22g/km and the ability to achieve 282.4mpg.
It’s possible to fully recharge the battery in about five and a half hours using a wallbox at home, or between six and eight hours using a standard domestic plug socket.
I found the Across really enjoyable to drive, especially in Auto EV/HV mode. As mentioned, the acceleration is superb and the braking equally responsive.
The steering is really nicely weighted and the suspension set-up irons out all but the very worst bumps, so the handling feels both smooth and agile whether out on the open road or around town.
Over the piece, I would say Suzuki has done a really good job of creating a superior plug-in hybrid SUV.