Aussie interest in Suzuki Across hybrid
New RAV4-based plug-in hybrid SUV is on the local wish-listSuzuki Australia has confirmed it is pushing to gain supply of the new petrol-electric Suzuki Across plug-in hybrid SUV.
Revealed earlier this month and confirmed for European release in the third quarter of 2020, the Suzuki Across is based on the recently-revealed Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid and the first vehicle to emerge from a new alliance between the two Japanese car-makers.
Like the Prime, the Across is currently unconfirmed for Australia.
“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,” said the general manager of Suzuki Australia Automotive Michael Pachota.
If Suzuki Australia did secure Across supply, it would undoubtedly sit as the flagship and most expensive model in its line-up and the only one with electrified assistance.
The most expensive model in the Suzuki Australia line-up right now is the $34,490 Vitara Turbo Allgrip. The most logical rival for the Across would be the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which starts at $47,390 plus on-road costs.
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.
The Suzuki Across is a five-door, five-seat SUV that boasts an electric-only driving range of 75km and WLTP-certified CO2 emissions of just 22g/km.
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’ front electric motor produces a maximum 134kW/270Nm and the rear 40kW/121Nm. They comprise the E-Four AWD system and 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 four-cylinder petrol engine, which features both port and direct injection, makes 136kW and 227Nm.
Peak power output of all motors combined is claimed at 225kW, which provides the RAV4 Prime and by extension the Suzuki Across Hybrid a sub-6.0 second 0-100km/h acceleration time.
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.
It 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.
Reviving a name previously seen on a Suzuki 250cc motorcycle, the Across offers a minimum 490-litre luggage compartment, expanding to a maximum 1604 litres.
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