The Suzuki Across is a new addition to Suzuki's SUV lineup in South Africa, and it appears to be a competitive offering in the compact SUV market. While in other countries, the Across name is used on a rebadged Toyota RAV4, the South African version is essentially a renamed version of Suzuki's Indian-built Victoris. The new product has an elegant look, with a more car-like design compared to the chunkier Grand Vitara.
The Suzuki Across has a wheelbase of 2,600mm and ground clearance of 210mm, similar to its sibling, the Grand Vitara. However, it is 15mm longer and features mild-hybrid technology. In automatic form, it comes with a modern six-speed unit, replacing the familiar four-speed autobox. Despite these upgrades, the Across is R9,000 cheaper than the equivalent Grand Vitara in base GL form, starting at R349,900. The top-of-the-line Across GLX model costs R464,900.
Inside the vehicle, the cabin looks modern and premium, with stitched soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Across also features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Suzuki has provided 'piano' style controls for key climate-control functions and a real volume knob, making it user-friendly. The interior design and features are a significant improvement over what is typically expected from the brand.
Practicality is a mixed bag in the Suzuki Across. The boot seems spacious, with a 347-litre capacity, and rear legroom is adequate. However, rear headroom is a bit tight. The GLX model tested comes with various features, including synthetic leather seats, a 360-degree camera, Harman Infinity sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof, and driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
On the road, the Suzuki Across provides a refined experience, with good insulation and a comfortable ride. Handling feels safe and neutral. However, the vehicle's engine is its weak link. With kerb weights of between 1,200 and 1,250kg, the 76kW and 137Nm mild-hybrid powertrain feels underpowered, particularly when overtaking on rural roads or driving uphill.
The six-speed gearbox in the Across is an improvement over the four-speeder in Grand Vitara models, providing a smoother driving experience. However, the engine's limitations are evident, and it may struggle to meet the demands of driving in various conditions. The vehicle's performance is fine for city driving but may not be suitable for more demanding driving scenarios.
In conclusion, the Suzuki Across is a stylish, well-made, and well-equipped SUV that offers great value. However, it needs a more powerful engine to compete effectively in the compact SUV market. The vehicle's features, design, and ride make it a compelling option, but its engine may hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Key points
- The Suzuki Across starts at R349,900 in base GL form.
- The vehicle's engine produces 76kW and 137Nm of power.
- The Across features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
