2020 Suzuki Across review
The Suzuki Across is a plug-in hybrid delivering excellent build quality and a nice ride to make a big impression on the SUV market.
But, if you think the car looks familiar, that's because it's a Toyota RAV4 but wearing a different skirt. Both Toyota and Suzuki have joined up to deal with the world's changing car sector and to access each other's markets.
Indeed, this is the second Toyota that appears in the Suzuki line-up, the recently unveiled Swace is really a rebadged Toyota Corolla. And this new offering from Suzuki is a stylish creation but it's up against the likes of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 and the Ford Kuga PHEV – both of which are accomplished cars.
The new Suzuki Across
But does the new Suzuki Across do enough to stand out in a crowded marketplace?
In addition to being a nice car to drive, and the interior is unmistakably from the Rav4, the Across delivers an impressive 46 miles of all-electric range from the 18kWh battery. That's more than many of its rivals and the car will try to deliver all-electric driving for as long as possible.
On top of that, emission figures are just 22g/km - that's nearly as good as a proper electric SUV.
So, the Suzuki Across is a sensible choice for company car drivers with a low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate of 6% - again, lower than most rivals.
Plug-in Across delivers impressive fuel economy
The plug-in Across also delivers impressive fuel economy of 282mpg - though driving in the real world means this figure may not be achievable. A lot of this is down to how often the driver will top their battery up, the type of journeys they do and how they drive.
The SUV has two electric motors and a 2.5-litre petrol engine to deliver 302bhp. This means there is an impressive 0 to 62 mph sprint time of six seconds, with the car's system tending to retain electric power for saving fuel rather than delivering performance.
Equipment for the Suzuki Across
The list of equipment for the Suzuki Across is fairly impressive – especially since there is just one trim - with a 9-inch display for the infotainment system. The offering is also smartphone compatible.
There's also no getting away from the high purchase price - it is a hefty £45,599 - though the Across does come with leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and heated steering wheel and seats, so there needs to be a long kit list.
The boot is a useful 490-litres – which extends to an impressive 1,600-litres - and there's plenty of space in the cabin for passengers, including those in the rear seats.
Comfortable car to drive around town
The Across delivers a composed ride and is a comfortable car to drive around town it's also a very quiet car and handling is responsive despite the size.
Perhaps the one downside is that with the extra weight - the car is 300kg heavier with the battery and motors - means there is a stiffer suspension than the Toyota RAV4 which can sometimes be felt on rough surfaces.
The interior though is a pleasant place to spend time with some nice design ideas, plus good use of soft touch materials.
As should be expected, the Across has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP and comes with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and radar cruise control.
Excellent four-wheel-drive system
There's also, as part of the car's excellent four-wheel-drive system, a 'trail mode' feature so that if a wheel loses grip, the car will deploy more power to deliver excellent grip on loose and slippery surfaces.
While this isn't a true off-roader, the 4x4 system will offer confidence should you need to travel across muddy fields and rutted country lanes.
Handling and economy aside, this is a well-made SUV that manages to deliver an interesting alternative to premium marques such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV, and potentially the Mercedes GLA 250e.
And, let's face it, the high price means cash buyers will think twice and it also means we can't give it five stars. The price tag will also surprise many Suzuki fans who love their cheap, well-made and enjoyable cars.
Essentially, the Suzuki Across is a great choice for business car drivers with decent handling, low running costs and it should be cheap to lease - though the plug-in RAV4 is also worth looking at.
DesperateSeller.co.uk rating: 4.5/5
