WeeklySA_AdminSUZUKI: The Across is a stylish, mild-hybrid SUV designed as a premium, yet affordable, flagship offering elevated comforts and excellent fuel economy
By Ali Mphaki
There is little to dispute the fact that Suzuki has found a lasting place in the hearts of South African car buyers.
Smart and fashionable the Japanese manufacturer is not about to drop the ball as it continues its “triumphal” procession in South Africa with the introduction of the new Suzuki Across – a stylish C-segment mild-hybrid SUV set to take on Toyota’s RAV 4 et al.
Reputed for dishing out mainly practical utilitarian vehicles, the arrival of the Across seem to suggest a new trajectory for Suzuki and opens new vistas for the brand. A kinda turning point in the history of the brand even if it joins elder brother the Jimny as a lifestyle SUV in the Suzuki fold.
Three distinct variants are available in South Africa, the entry-level Across 1,5 Mild-hybrid GL 5MT, the Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 6AT which we had for road impressions recently, and the Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GLX 6AT.
Those with a more adventurous streak would be delighted to know a two-tone exterior finish is available on the GLX model.
From the front the Suzuki Across seem to be in sync with the Sesotho saying that ditaba di mahlong (the eyes reveal everything) with its distinctive minimalist facia boasting LED headlights which could easily be described as “Eight Mabone” in township parlance.
At the rear, the Across comes out as one of the top contenders for that elusive title of “Reverse yo Mhlaba” its sloping roof ala Land Rover Evoque melting neatly into the standout full-width rear LED light bar. Safety is further enhanced by the rear window brake light and it is a delight to the eyes when the orange indicator lights on edges of the full-with light bar comes to life. It wears size 17-inch alloy wheels.
The interior is well-built, what one may term elegance without snobbism, and our test unit included a 10-inch floating touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto plus a 10.25-inch customizable digital instrument cluster. We liked the glittering leatherette upper side door panels and the dashboard with stitched linings.
There is ample space for your gadgets like cell phone or water cans with USB and charging connectivity pots both for front and rear passengers.
Both front visors have mirrors and the stereo comes with six speakers. Boot space is relatively small at 333 litres, but then again this is not a bakkie.
With Jack Frost already with us, the 1.5-litre motto would take about two minutes to warm up ready for the go.
The naturally-aspirated engine with 6-speed automatic whilst at times hesitant in stop-and-go-traffic goes about its job effortlessly covering the mandatory 0-100 km sprint in roughly 14.4 seconds.
Engage the drivetrain into sporty mode and things get interesting as the Across suddenly behave like it is on steroids, galloping with more purpose and extra speed without sacrificing comfort and cabin noise levels.
I personally did not find the motto sluggish for the vehicle of its size.
And if there is one place you will seldom visit is the fuel station, with the Across registering an estimated 8-litres per 100 km depending on the driver’s habits. At times the odometer would register a 5-litres per 100km when doing city driving.
As a daily companion the Suzuki Across promises to be a dependable and predictable friend.
It’s ideal for compact SUV lovers who want more from their vehicle and the freedom to drive a modern SUV without having to break the bank.
Pricing:
Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 5MT: R349,900
Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 6AT: R372,900
Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GLX 6AT: R464,900
(Note: A two-tone exterior finish is available on the GLX model for an additional R4,500).
