[Auto] Suzuki Across, test of the borrowed plug-in hybrid

[G h o s t l y.]

 

Times change in the automotive sector, so much so that they force some brands to do things that they did not even expect. The strict anti-pollution regulations in Europe and the large fines that those who exceed the famous 95 g / km of CO2 will receive bring us movements as curious as the one that has given life to the vehicle we tested this week. This is the Suzuki Across, a plug-in hybrid SUV that is so obvious from the car it came from that there is no point in hiding it.

It is more than evident that the basis of this example is the Toyota RAV4, specifically the plug-in hybrid variant of the Japanese SUV. It is the first vehicle resulting from the collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki, an agreement that was signed just over a year ago. Broadly speaking, what Suzuki intends with the arrival of the Across in Europe is to reduce the average emissions in this region and thus lower the amount of the fine before the end of the year. The other model that will come out of this agreement is the Suzuki Swace, a copy of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.
It must be taken into account that very few units will arrive in Spain initially and that their price will be quite high, but it will help the brand to continue with its electrification strategy. Oddly enough, 58% of the cars that Suzuki sells are electrified thanks to Mild Hybrid technology (examples Swift Sport). This is the first plug-in hybrid with a ZERO label and we have already been able to put it to the test.
Exterior

 

The truth is that the design is the point that has raised the most controversy in this Suzuki Across. Did it really have to be that much like the Toyota? The differences between the two are limited to the front, which in the Across has a sharper image thanks to the ragged headlights joined by a black opening and with the Suzuki logo in the center. Gain dynamism with a generously sized hexagonal grille and side air intakes that accommodate the fog lights. And from there, the rest is the same as on a RAV4.

In the side view, aspects such as those characteristic square wheel arches stand out. Inside there are 19-inch wheels that, luckily, have a specific design in the Across. To enhance the crossover image, all the underbody is finished in black plastic. On the other hand, the roof bars are hidden in this example and are finished in black, the same happens with the molding that crosses the C-pillar and that gives it a distinctive touch.