New Suzuki Across in a nutshell:
- The Across is the first model supplied from Toyota Motor Corporation under the collaborative business agreement between Toyota and Suzuki.
- Striking Sporty SUV design
- Designed to stand out with a robust polygonal body that combines characteristic SUV toughness and a sporty front face featuring a large open grille.
- Sales being Autumn 2020 in Europe.
THIS sporty new SUV is the product of a pioneering collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota.
And if the striking Suzuki Across is anything to go by, its likely the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The Across is, essentially, based on Toyotas popular and rugged RAV-4 - which is no bad thing.
After all, in April last year Toyota celebrated 10 million sales, globally, of the brilliant RAV-4 since it first arrived way back in 1994.
But where the Across makes that tried-and-tested platform its own is in the all-new front end,which features a large Suzuki front grille among other subtle styling tweaks.
As a spokesperson for Suzuki points out: Robust polygonal motifs across the body form a bold physique that is further highlighted by characteristic SUV wheel arch moldings, a sporty large open grille, and a bumper with a prominent silver under garnish that helps to express the cars all-round capabilities.
Its not just in the exterior looks where the Across catches the eye because theres some clever tech at play, too.
Power comes from a Plug-in Hybrid system, which marries a powerful front end electric motor with a 2.5 litre petrol engine, which equates to 270Nm of torque combined with rapid acceleration and high cruising speeds - though those precise figures are yet to be released.
Paired to the electric motor is the A25A-FXS Dynamic Force engine, which functions as a charger for the battery and provides power assistance to the electric motor during high-speed driving, if required.
The driver can switch between various different driving modes, too, depending on how much juice is left in the 18.1kWh (50.9 Ah) high capacity lithium ion battery.
In EV Mode, for example, the vehicle is driven entirely by the power of the electric motor, even under full acceleration.
While in Auto EV/HV mode and HV mode, however, the petrol engine provides a boost of power, particularly when the driver has his right foot to the floor.
The Across also features Toyotas patented E-Four electronic 4x4 system - a gift from Toyota to their new automotive chums - meaning you should be able to tackle just about any terrain Britain can throw at you.
The system features an independent 40kW rear motor that works in conjunction with the front motor to provide traction when you need it - such as when taking off on slippery surfaces, or when trying to negotiate snow-covered roads.
A crucial element of the E-Four system is the AWD Integrated Management - AIM for short - which distributes force where needed, tweaks engine throttle control, and even adjusts electric power steering assistance depending on whats going on under those four wheels.
That means the Across should keep you on track, particularly when splashing down muddy trails.
And theres lots of other safety features for general road use, too, including a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).
Inside the cabin, Suzuki says it has tried to evoke a sense of comfort, luxury and driving con?dence with quality upholstery as well as soft padding on the dashboard and door trims.
Theres also a 9-inch touchscreen display that works with Apple CarPlay for iPhone, Android Auto and MirrorLink for compatible smartphones.
It comes in six colours - White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Sensual Red Mica, Grey Metallic and Dark Blue Mica - and it hits forecourts this autumn.
