The Grand Vitara badge once carried considerable weight in the Suzuki family. It represented the bigger, more capable, and aspirational side of a brand better known for compact and affordable motoring.
Over time, the position that the Suzuki Grand Vitara held as the brand’s flagship product has become less clear than it once was. The SUV market has moved rapidly, and buyers have begun to expect more space, technology, safety, and a greater sense of occasion.
The Suzuki Across arrives to restore that flagship position, and perhaps the first clue is above your head.
Open the panoramic sunroof, and the cabin suddenly feels far removed from the simple, value-focused Suzukis many buyers know. Add ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera and an eight-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, and the Across starts making a convincing case for its place at the top.
But a long list of equipment does not automatically make a flagship. At R464,900, the Across 1.5 GLX AT M-Hybrid we recently had on test must also prove itself in traffic, on the school run, and during everyday family duties to reveal whether it is genuinely easy to live with.
MORE THAN A BIGGER SUZUKI
The Across has the presence expected of a modern C-segment SUV. It is longer and wider than the Grand Vitara, with slim LED headlamps, a broad lower grille and black cladding around the wheel arches.
At the rear, the full-width lighting treatment gives it a distinctive identity. The GLX rides on dual-tone 17″ alloy wheels and carries enough visual weight to justify its flagship status without becoming overstyled.
Inside, the Across GLX makes its strongest argument. The dashboard is clean and practical, with enough physical controls to prevent every function from being buried inside the touchscreen. A 10.25″ digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while the 10.1″ infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The head-up display keeps key information within view, while wireless charging and four USB Type-C ports keep devices connected.
The panoramic sunroof adds light, but the ventilated front seats may be the feature owners appreciate most in warm weather. The Harman Infinity system also gives music and podcasts a richer sound.
FAMILY DUTY
The hybrid Across settles naturally into daily life. Its elevated seating position provides good visibility, while the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre in traffic and parking areas. The 360-degree camera and parking sensors make low-speed manoeuvres less stressful.
Rear passengers get ventilation outlets and charging points, while the 60:40 split rear seats add flexibility. Luggage capacity ranges from 333 to 347 litres, enough for shopping, school bags, and shorter family trips.
The GLX carries adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Its five-star Global NCAP rating strengthens its family credentials, while the assistance systems work quietly in the background during everyday use.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, assisted by an integrated starter generator as part of Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid system. The combination produces 76 kW and 137 Nm through a six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox is smooth and works well in traffic, but the engine’s limitations become clear when stronger acceleration is required. Overtaking needs planning, especially with passengers on board or when travelling uphill.
The Across is therefore better understood as an efficiency-focused SUV. Suzuki claims fuel consumption of 5.3/100, giving it a strong answer to rising running costs.
THE FLAGSHIP QUESTION
The Across range starts with the GL manual at R349,900, followed by the GL automatic at R372,900. The GLX tested here costs R464,900.
That is a significant step up, but the added equipment gives the Across its flagship personality.
The challenge is that it enters a competitive segment replete with rivals such as the Kia Carens and Hyundai Alcazar that offer better performance and generous equipment.
Suzuki’s answer is comfort, safety, efficiency, and a reputation for uncomplicated ownership.
LAST WORD
The Suzuki Across 1.5 GLX AT M-Hybrid feels like a genuine effort to move the brand into more aspirational territory. Its cabin, safety technology and everyday practicality give it the sense of occasion expected from a flagship, while its fuel-conscious drivetrain remains true to Suzuki’s traditional strengths.
More power would have completed the package. For buyers who place comfort, technology and economy ahead of outright performance, the Across has enough substance to carry Suzuki’s flagship title.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © SUZUKI SOUTH AFRICA
