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ELast year Suzuki and Toyota signed an agreement to share platforms and technology with each other. Months later, the first fruit of this alliance has just been presented and is the new Suzuki Across, which will position itself above the Vitara and will benefit from the Eco label in Europe by having a plug-in hybrid mechanic.
If when observing it they notice a great similarity with the Toyota RAV4 it is not at all accidental and it is that the Across is just a rebadge of the C-SUV of the Japanese firm, with minimal aesthetic changes to adapt it to the Suzuki design language and that they can be differentiated minimally with each other. These modifications are especially appreciated in the front sector, which although it maintains the straight lines so as not to clash with the rest of the bodywork, it has finer and longer headlights, like the grille. It also changes the bumper, with a hexagonal instead of a trapezoidal air intake and the similar air intakes at the ends that serve as a frame for the fog lights. Underneath stands out a kind of defense in aluminum color.
In profile, the only novelty is the design of the alloy wheels, while at the rear only the brand’s logo was replaced and it seemed – since the image does not quite show it – to have a subtle redesign on the inner part of the headlights.
Behind the scenes, the modifications are even less noticeable: as soon as the emblem on the steering wheel was changed, the rest are identical to the RAV4, commands, instruments, multimedia system, etc. Fortunately, it also inherits all of its technology, such as the 9 ”multimedia system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping system, cross-traffic alert and blind spot, recognition of traffic signs and emergency call e-Call.
Mechanically, unsurprisingly, it also takes advantage of Toyota’s development: the Across is powered by a 2.5-cycle Atkinson gasoline engine that delivers 185 bhp, associated with two electric motors – one 182 hp front and one on the rear 54-axle. CV-. Together, they deliver a combined power of 306 hp and are coupled to the e-CVT automatic transmission already known in the RAV4. The main difference with the Hybrid variants that are commercialized in our market is that the lithium-ion battery has a higher capacity, 18.1 kWh, which allows it to travel up to 75 kilometers in 100% electric mode. Thus, the SUV can operate only with the combustion engine, only with the electric ones or by combining the three engines. For its part, the 4 × 4 traction system is automatic coupling and can distribute power and torque in a 20/80 ratio if necessary.
At the moment, Suzuki did not provide more information about the price or the position it will have regarding the Toyota RAV4 so that they do not cannibalize each other. The greatest contribution of Across is that it will contribute to lowering the level of emissions and consumption of the brand, something key in the Old Continent with current regulations. It is also not known if it will arrive in our country, where currently the range is made up of the Swift, Baleno, Vitara and Jimny.
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