Suzuki has just unveiled a new version of the Across for the European market. The concept remains the same as before, with the new Across being built on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid platform.
Identical to the Toyota RAV4
The new Across continues the collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota, with the model borrowing the platform, powertrain and most of the design from the latest RAV4. While the previous generation of the Across featured a front design inspired by the Chinese Toyota Wildlander, the new model now mirrors the RAV4 almost one-to-one. The rugged appearance with its distinctive grille makes it easy to place Suzuki’s large emblem without major modifications.
Unlike the RAV4 range, which is also available as a conventional hybrid, the new Across is sold exclusively as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The powertrain consists of Toyota’s 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors, delivering a total output of 304 hp. Power is sent to all four wheels via an e-CVT transmission and Toyota’s E-Four system.
Driving modes include Normal, Eco, Sport and a dedicated E-Four Trail mode for light off-road driving. This makes the Across the most powerful four-wheel-drive Suzuki you can buy. The battery capacity is 22 kWh, giving the Across an electric driving range of up to 100 km.
The cabin is, unsurprisingly, very similar to that of the RAV4, with the steering wheel being the only place to feature a Suzuki logo. The interior is generous, offering a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, a large 12.9-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, five USB-C ports and a full safety package with advanced driver assistance systems.
Unlikely totReturn to Denmark
Unfortunately, the Across is not expected to return to Denmark, as Toyota chose not to sell the new RAV4 locally due to Danish taxation rules. In the past, both the Across and the RAV4 were fairly popular models in Denmark, although mostly with the Toyota badge on the front.
Suzuki expects to launch the model first in the Netherlands before expanding to other European markets, where it will compete against the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV, MG EHS and two models not sold in Denmark: the Lynk & Co 08 and the Jaecoo 7. We do, however, hope to see the model at Danish Suzuki dealers.
