DuCkyBhaI Posted March 4, 2021 Posted March 4, 2021 Originally from the same western region of Japan, and both from the loom industry, the alliance between the two manufacturers seemed obvious . A partnership that begins with two common models, the Across / Rav-4 and Swace / Corolla . A collaboration that will focus in the future on engines, electric models - without which it is impossible to remain on the European market - autonomous vehicles, research, etc. This new Across, a plug-in hybrid, will help Suzuki reduce its average CO2 emissions in Europe., allowing it in passing to have all hybrid technologies. Enough to stay in second place - tied with Ford - manufacturers producing the most hybrid models, behind… Toyota. Strictly identical to its cousin the Toyota Rav-4 , this Across is distinguished only by a completely redesigned front end, both more vertical and more sober, which suits it, in our opinion, better than that, too "sharp. From Toyota. For the rest, it's white rice and white rice! We find on board a presentation and neat materials , typically Toyota, even if the atmosphere remains austere, a feeling reinforced by a black monochrome. The roominess and modularity are those of a 4.60 m long family SUV, with a trunk that cubs at least 490 liters despite the presence of a large-format space-saver wheel. This heavy SUV (nearly 2 tons empty), provides a great smoothness of driving . In particular, and logically, when it operates in electric mode. Which is advertised for a mixed range of 75 km, which can climb up to 98 km in the city. At the start of our test run, mainly on the road, without looking for economy, we drove 58 km without a drop of gasoline. Enough to be able to reach 80 km. A more than flattering distance for a plug-in hybrid. Performance side, already sufficient in electric mode, with 391 Nm of torque from the three electric machines, they become more than ample in hybrid mode with a cumulative power of 306 hp , at least unusual for Suzuki. It remains to compose, in phase of strong acceleration, with the runaway of the "big" 2.5 liters gasoline under the effect of the continuously variable e-CVT . A transmission which, on the other hand, offers smoothness and progressiveness which are very appreciable in town. It should be noted that it has 7 "virtual" ratios, which can be controlled from the paddles on the steering wheel, which make it possible both to obtain engine braking and to increase battery regeneration . Not very dynamic and not appreciating to be jostled, this large SUV is however reassuring under the close supervision of an anti-skid ESC, very vigilant, and a transmission which becomes integral if necessary , the rear electric motor. then engages automatically. It is also possible to lock the center differential. In this area, however, we remain quite far from the rigor of certain competitors from across the Rhine. In terms of comfort, except in the phases of strong acceleration, in hybrid mode, where the heat engine gives voice, this Across is very quiet. Very comfortable on smooth asphalt, the damping tends to become hectic on corrugated pavement, even pumping at a more sustained rate, burdening an otherwise satisfactory comfort. On the consumption side, we found averages of 21.6 kWh and 3.5 liters of unleaded , very convincing for such a machine. Suzuki has the honesty to communicate on an average of 6.6 liters and not 1.0 liter WLTP. It remains to recharge the batteries, otherwise this type of engine loses all its interest . With a capacity of 18.1 kWh, these require 5 to 9 hours depending on the type of equipment. Offered, at launch, in a unique finish, without any options, which in the richness of its equipment approaches the high finishes of its cousin Toyota, this Across Première Edition is sold for € 53,990. A tidy sum that could make Suzuki customers talk , not used to such a price, the most upscale Vitara and S-Cross barely exceeding € 30,000.
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