Suzuki Across plug-in hybrid test: the most powerful in history!

A few years ago, Suzuki announced a partnership with a major hybridization specialist, Toyota. Quickly, two models were presented to the public: the Swace based on the Corolla and the Across based on the RAV4. It is the latter which is being tested today ...

With your expert eye, you must have noticed that only a few slight styling details differ between the famous Toyota RAV4 and this all new Suzuki Across. The goal for the "small" Japanese manufacturer is not to develop a car from A to Z, but to comply with the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standard, imposing on manufacturers an average CO² emission threshold not to be exceeded , i.e. 95 g / km.

Based on this principle, almost all body parts are identical. The rear and the profile do not bring any changes, even the rims have not undergone any modifications. Apart from the logos of course. It is on the side of the front that we can differentiate them. If the fenders and hood remain unchanged, the front bumper meanwhile, is completely redesigned. All these little tips drastically limiting costs. And strangely, for me, the recipe works better. The Suzuki indeed benefits from a gaping mouth, offering more presence, just like the false side air intakes which energize it. His eyes, sporting a unique light signature, are refined and give a facelift to the whole. It is not, by far, the most beautiful of the SUV,

By climbing on board, no surprise there either, everything is taken from its cousin. The manufacturer has not made the effort at all to add his personal touch. And that's a shame. Practical and ergonomic, of course, the interior is tasteless. We are far from modern standards in terms of design and materials. Even the infotainment system is outdated. Now, there's absolutely everything you need, and everything's right there. So overall it feels good aboard this Suzuki Across. Big plus point, the space is vast. The driver and his passenger are greeted like royalty, but not only. At the rear, three large adults can also be easily installed: the legs, head, shoulders, can enjoy a lot of space. 

While the RAV4 also offers a non-plug-in hybrid model, Suzuki has opted only for the plug-in version. It therefore carries a 4-cylinder petrol engine of 185 hp and two electric motors (182 hp at the front and 54 hp at the rear), for a cumulative power of 306 hp and 270 Nm of torque. All together, making the Across the most powerful car in the brand's history.

And behind the wheel what does that give? Past the fun side of the impressive 0 to 100 km / h in just 6 seconds, the machine quickly becomes an all-classic SUV. Soft, responsive and comfortable, it offers the most relaxing journeys. We inevitably savor the overall silence, even under full load, where we notice the strong progress of CVTs. The unpleasant sensation of skating, or the engine that howls to death, it's almost over! Toyota's know-how makes the whole thing smoother and more discreet. Add to that, a good setting of the suspensions and it absorbs a good part of the irregularities of the road; even the speed bumps seem insignificant. We then greatly appreciate the long journeys in his company and the whole family is not exhausted when arriving at their destination. On top of that, despite its 2 tonnes on the scale, its architecture allows it to be relatively dynamic due to limited roll hold. Indeed, the battery, placed under the floor, lowers the center of gravity and ensures almost exemplary road holding on dry ground. The all-wheel drive offered by the second electric motor amplifies the feeling of security, and the very good feeling felt in the steering allows us to increase the pace with pleasure.