Designed to be by your side no matter what, the Across is the latest model to join Suzuki Auto South Africa’s product range. The Japanese brand’s most advanced SUV yet, it combines dashing good looks with cutting-edge technology, class-leading safety features, an efficient mild-hybrid petrol engine, and family-friendly space and practicality. Here’s an in-depth look at what it brings to the C-segment SUV market.

An unforgettable face ready for any adventure

Immediately identifiable by its sweeping silhouette and sculpted body lines, the Across sports a wide and dynamic stance which makes it look like it’s in motion even when it's parked outside a trendy urban coffee shop.  

An authoritative front end makes a strong first impression thanks to features such as perfectly contoured bonnet creases and a pair of narrow LED projector headlamps (with integrated daytime running lights) linked by a satin chrome strip running the full breadth of the upper grille. This standout design element is complemented by a large trapezoidal lower intake, an aluminium-look protective front underguard and a classy piano black finisher framed by compact circular foglamps.

To better protect it from the elements, the Across incorporates black plastic cladding along its rocker panels and around its wheel arches. The latter are filled by dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels on the GL model and striking dual-tone 17-inch machined alloy wheels on the GLX. Both are shod with 215/60 profile tyres and a full-size spare is also included. GL models are fitted with silver roof rails while on the GLX they adopt a grey finish.

The rear of the Across is defined by its seamless taillamp cluster that stretches across the full width of the vehicle. Positioned directly below the rear windscreen, its distinctive segmented LEDs – 19 in total – create a mesmerising light signature, particularly when driving at night. Above this feature you’ll find an integrated rear roof spoiler and a shark-fin antenna. Below it sits the rear bumper featuring an aluminium-look skid plate.

A broad palette of exterior colours is available including 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 have the option of three dual-tone paint finishes where Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic, Sizzling Red Metallic or Exuberant Blue Pearl Metallic can be contrasted with a roof skin in Bluish Black Pearl.

A cabin designed around you

The interior of the Across was engineered to appeal to existing SUV owners as well as modern digital natives looking to take the leap. As such it adopts a clean, minimalist design language refreshingly free from unnecessary clutter. In short, it puts everything you need at your fingertips and nothing you don’t. It’s stylish too, with an elegant three-level dashboard with precision stitching, chrome door handles and a tactile switchgear cluster located above the centre console for intuitive control of the HVAC system.

Everyday practicality is ensured thanks to an illuminated glove box, four cup holders and four bottle holders (two of each front and rear), 60:40-split single-fold rear seats, a large centre console box with an integrated armrest, inductive charging and two 12V accessory sockets – one of which is located in the boot for powering things like portable car fridges or powerstations.  

Two trim levels to choose from

From launch the Across will be available in two key model derivatives starting with the entry-level GL. Standard features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Convenience features include a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control, four USB Type-C ports and a wireless charging pad with active cooling.

The cabin features fabric upholstery with a height-adjustable driver’s seat, while the polyurethane multifunction steering wheel incorporates matte-finish controls and is adjustable for both tilt and reach. On automatic models, integrated paddle shifters allow drivers to take charge of their gear changes. Comfort is further enhanced by automatic air conditioning with a PM2.5 air filter and rear ventilation outlets, while a smart powered tailgate adds everyday practicality. Safety features are comprehensive and include six airbags (front, side and curtain), as well as ABS, EBD, ESP and hill hold control. Automatic models are also equipped with an electric parking brake with brake hold.

The range-topping Across GLX builds on the GL specification with a host of extra premium comfort, technology and safety features. The cabin is upgraded with synthetic leather upholstery featuring copper stitching, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and ventilated front seats, while a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel with piano black controls and paddle shifters adds a more premium, tactile feel. Technology highlights include a head-up display, an eight-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, a 360º view camera, a 64-colour ambient lighting system and a panoramic glass sunroof.

For stress-free driving in any environment, the GLX is further equipped with front and rear parking sensors and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including DSBS II, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention and lane keep assist. Additional safety technologies include a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and weave alert.

A mild-hybrid powertrain for lower running costs

Powering the Across range is Suzuki’s dependable K15C engine with progressive mild-hybrid technology, offering a fine balance of efficiency and performance.

With a compression ratio of 12.0:1 and an always-on mild-hybrid system, it makes 76kW at 6,000rpm and 137Nm at 4,400rpm. The mild-hybrid system works continuously to assist the petrol engine, helping it deliver the kind of responsive performance expected from a naturally aspirated motor while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

In the Across, this system enables a combined average fuel consumption of 5.3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 121g/km. The key component of the mild-hybrid system is the integrated starter generator (ISG), which assists the petrol engine under load and recovers kinetic energy during deceleration. This energy is fed back into the 12V lithium-ion hybrid battery.

To further improve combustion efficiency, the Across also features start/stop technology, which shuts the engine off when the vehicle is stationary – such as when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in heavy traffic – before the ISG restarts it instantly.

In GL specification this powertrain can be paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, while the GLX is available exclusively with the latter.

Pricing

Pricing starts at R349,900 for the Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 5MT. The GL 6AT is priced at R372,900, while the flagship Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GLX 6AT is available from R464,900. Customers opting for the GLX model can also specify the two-tone exterior finish at an additional cost of R4,500.  

All prices include VAT, while the range is sold with a four-year/60,000km service plan and a five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.