With seriously attractive pricing accompanying high levels of the trim specification, the new Suzuki Across mild-hybrid SUV could become a cage-rattler in the medium to large segment of the market – this newcomer marginally bigger than the Vitara.
Power is supplied by the K15C petrol engine, which incorporates a mild-hybrid system. The unit produces 76 kW at 6 000 r/min and 137 Nm at 4 400 r/min. An integrated starter generator assists the engine during acceleration and recovers energy during deceleration, storing it in a 12V lithium-ion battery.
The system contributes to a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 5,3 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 121 g/km. Start/stop technology is fitted as standard, shutting off the engine when stationary.
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In the GL grade, the engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The GLX is offered exclusively with the automatic gearbox.
On a drive from Cape Town via Simonstown and Kommetjie back to the city, the top spec GLX auto I sampled handled the changing pace of the traffic and the various hills without much effort although, it must be said, the 1,5-litre normally aspirated engine was a tad noisy when pressed hard and could well do with turbo-charging to cope with the aditional mass of the Across versus something like the Fronx.
What did impress is the cabin layout, notably the fact important tech, including things such as lane change, are button-operated from the steering wheel and not buried deep in some sub-menu on the 10,1-inch infortainment screen.
Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist layout with a three-level dashboard featuring contrast stitching. The centre console houses the HVAC controls, an illuminated glove box, four cup holders and four bottle holders. The 60:40 split rear seats fold down to extend cargo space and a powered tailgate adds convenience.
Storage options include a centre console box with an integrated armrest, while two 12V sockets are provided – one in the front and another in the boot area suitable for accessories such as portable fridges.
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The Across is available in two specifications. The entry-level GL includes a 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10,1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A reverse camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control and four USB Type-C ports are standard. The cabin is trimmed in fabric, with a height-adjustable driver's seat and a polyurethane multifunction steering wheel. Automatic models gain paddle shifters and an electric parking brake with brake hold. Air conditioning includes a PM2,5 filter and rear vents.
The GLX upgrades the specification with synthetic leather upholstery accented by copper stitching. The driver's seat gains eight-way power adjustment, and both front seats are ventilated. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with piano black controls. Additional features include a head-up display, an eight-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, a 360-degree camera and 64-colour ambient lighting. A panoramic glass sunroof is also included.
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Safety equipment on the GLX expands to include front and rear parking sensors, along with a suite of driver assistance systems. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with prevention and lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and weave alert.
Importantly for buyers, this is very much a what-you-see-you-get and the price tag is not artificially low, waiting for you to shell out for a host of must-have options.
The Across – which is not derived from the Toyota RAV4 – presents a front fascia dominated by narrow LED projector headlamps connected by a satin chrome strip that spans the upper grille. Below, a trapezoidal lower intake is flanked by circular fog lamps, while an aluminium-look underguard adds visual protection.
The side profile incorporates black plastic cladding along the rocker panels and wheel arches. Depending on the specification, buyers can choose between dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels on the GL model or machined dual-tone 17-inch alloys on the GLX. Both variants are fitted with 215/60 profile tyres and include a full-size spare.
At the rear, a full-width taillamp cluster houses 19 individual LED segments, creating a distinct light signature. The design is completed by an integrated roof spoiler and a rear bumper with an aluminium-look skid plate.
Colour options include 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 may also be specified with a dual-tone finish, pairing a Bluish Black Pearl roof with either Splendid Silver, Sizzling Red or Exuberant Blue.
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Pricing and Warranty
The Suzuki Across is available at the following recommended retail prices:
- Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 5MT: R349 900
- Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 6AT: R372 900
- Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GLX 6AT: R464 900
The dual-tone paint finish on GLX models is available at an additional cost of R4 500.
All pricing includes VAT. The vehicle is sold with a 4-year or 60 000 km service plan, and a promotional 5-year or 200 000 km warranty applies.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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