Hands up for Suzuki Across
The new Suzuki Across plug-in petrol-electric hybrid (PHEV) is on the wanted list for Australia.
Based on the recently-revealed Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in, the Across is the first vehicle to emerge from a new alliance between the two Japanese auto manufacturers.
A five-door five-seat SUV, it features electric motors on both axles that deliver all-wheel drive capability, a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The Across boasts an EV-only driving range of 75 kilometres and a WLTP CO2 emissions rate of 22g/km.
The technical specs and interior of the Across are fundamentally identical to the RAV4, but the nose has been modified to adopt the current Suzuki corporate grille.
Suzuki has far confirmed the Across will launch in Europe later this year.
At Suzuki Australia, there’s plenty of enthusiasm for what would be the brand’s local flagship.
“Although our hand is held high for the opportunity, there is no confirmation that the Suzuki Across will be available for the Australian market to date,” Michael Pachota, general manager Suzuki Australia Automotive told EV Central.
The front electric motor of the Across produces a maximum 134kW and 270Nm and the rear 40kW and 121Nm. The four-cylinder petrol engine, which features both port and direct injection, makes 136kW and 227Nm. The transmission is an E-CVT auto.
The PHEV system has four operating modes. EV is the default mode in which the Across runs solely on electricity. In driver-selectable Auto HV/EV and HV modes the petrol engine contributes to power delivery when required. In battery charger mode the ICE replenishes charge.
The Across can also be driven Eco, Sport and off-road oriented Trail mode, which features an automatic limited slip differential control that brakes slipping wheels and redirects torque.
The front and rear electric motors form the E-Four AWD system. They can provide front:rear torque split varying from 100:00 to 20:80.
E-Four control is integrated with engine throttle, transmission shifting, power steer and braking depending on conditions.
The Across will be offered with a suite of driver assistants including autonomous emergency braking, lane tracing assist and blind spot monitoring.
The Across measures up at 4635mm long, 1855mm wide, 1690mm high and has a 2690mm wheelbase. It weighs in at 1940kg.
The Across offers a minimum 490 litre luggage compartment, expanding to a maximum 1604 litres.
