Over the past decade, the status of the Suzuki Grand Vitara as the flagship of the Japanese carmaker’s range has slowly diminished – in part due to the Shizuoka-based company’s platform sharing with auto giant Toyota, but mostly due to the Japanese-developed third-generation model being replaced by a range partly developed and built in India.
The decline of the Grand Vitara nameplate has created a growing void in the Suzuki portfolio. Suzuki in Japan decided to plug this with a Toyota RAV4-based model, while Maruti Suzuki in India, most likely inspired by the success of the Toyota Corolla Cross, used this recipe to develop a new flagship for the brand.
This model split may be somewhat confusing, as the RAV4-based Across has been available in Europe for some time now. Suzuki has also used the Across name for a motorcycle – the GSX250F Across sports bike of the 1990s – and the Across model range, now introduced locally, is actually named Victoris in India.
The new Across shares the Suzuki Global C platform with the latest Grand Vitara and, as such, features the same drivetrain – consisting of the trusty K15C 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assistance from an integrated starter motor (ISG), as used in the Grand Vitara AWD model, which was removed from the Suzuki model list late last year.
This combination, delivering 76 kW and 137 Nm of torque, is called “Smart Hybrid” by Suzuki, and is the only option available locally. Overseas, a so-called strong hybrid model (with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine from Toyota), an all-wheel-drive derivative and a variant with a natural gas engine are also available; part of Maruti Suzuki’s plan to export the Victoris/Across to over 100 countries.
It should be noted that although the Grand Vitara range has been rationalised, it will not be replaced – but rather supplemented – by the longer and wider newcomer to the C segment SUV clan. Available in GL or GLX trim, the Across provides between 333 litres and 347 litres of luggage space and has a ground clearance of 210 mm.
ATTRACTIVE DESIGN
In terms of styling, the new Suzuki flagship has strong links to the previous-generation Toyota Wildlander (available only in China), with neat, rounded bonnet contours and sleek LED projector-type headlights (and daytime running lights) linked by a thin satin-chrome strip running the full breadth of the upper grille.
This is complemented by a large trapezoidal lower intake, an aluminium-look protective front underguard and framed by compact circular foglamps. The side profile is characterised by nuanced geometric lines and the unmissable black plastic cladding along the rocker panels and around the wheel arches.
The rear of the Across is surprisingly different from the SUV norm, defined by a seamless taillamp cluster across the full width of the vehicle positioned directly below the rear windscreen (remarkably similar to the styling of the Alfa Romeo Junior). Its distinctive segmented LEDs – 19 in total – create an interesting light signature. The rear also features an integrated rear roof spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.
The Across GL comes with dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels, while the GLX is adorned with dual-tone 17-inch machined alloys, both shod with 215/60 profile tyres. A full-size spare tyre is standard, and a broad palette of exterior colours is available. GL models are fitted with silver roof rails, while GLX models adopt a grey finish and offer three dual-tone paint finishes.
UPGRADED INTERIOR
The interior, with an elegant three-level dashboard detailed with precision stitching, chrome door handles, a tactile switchgear cluster located above the centre console with contrasting copper-coloured surrounds (in the GLX), is unpretentious and practical and exudes a Toyota level of quality and detail.
There are buttons for all the essential functions, and a 10,25” digital instrument cluster plus a 10,1” touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) is standard in both models. Practical features include an illuminated glove box, four cup holders and four bottle holders, 60:40-split single-fold rear seats, inductive charging and two 12V accessory sockets.
Other standard convenience features include air conditioning with rear ventilation outlets and a smart powered tailgate. a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control, four USB Type-C ports, and a wireless charging pad with active cooling.
The GL model features fabric upholstery with a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a multifunction steering wheel adjustable for both tilt and reach, and safety equipment including six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, hill hold control, and an electric parking brake for the automatic model.
For the Across introduction drive in Cape Town, only the GLX model was available, further equipped with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat and ventilated front seats, a leather-covered steering wheel, a head-up display, an eight-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, a 360º view camera, a 64-colour ambient lighting system and a panoramic glass sunroof.
SOLID ROAD FEEL
Beyond the improved quality of the interior materials, the Across’s solid road feel and first-rate ride quality were immediately noticeable. Safety levels have also been improved with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including DSBS II, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and lane keep assist.
Additional safety technologies, including a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, weave alert, and front and rear parking sensors, also contributed to the top model Across achieving a five-star rating in the Global NCAP safety test.
As expected, the Across displayed road manners similar to the Grand Vitara, the highlight being how well the super-smooth six-speed automatic transmission was integrated with the hybrid drivetrain. However, it was also clear that the Across, like the Grand Vitara, suffered from a lack of power, particularly when compared with its direct competitors.
While willing and easy-revving, the 1.5-litre engine did not cut the mustard, particularly in terms of overtaking performance, and this lack of power will be even more pronounced at higher altitudes. This is somewhat frustrating, but at least offset by its fuel efficiency (we averaged 5.8 l/100 km over the test route, and Suzuki claims 5.3 l/100 km) and the SUV’s appealing price.
The GL model with a five-speed manual is now available for R349,990 (making it the most affordable hybrid in the country), the GL auto is priced at R372,900, and the flagship GLS auto goes for R464,900 – a strong value proposition compared with the Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV (from R494,400 to R552,400) and the smaller Chery Tiggo Cross HEV (R469,900).
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © SUZUKI SOUTH AFRICA
