New Suzuki Across launching soon: What it costs and where it fits in
The all-new Suzuki Across launches in South Africa on March 17.
Image: Supplied
There’s a brand new model coming to Suzuki dealerships this month, and it goes by the name of Across.
Not to be confused with the Suzuki Across sold in Europe, which is a rebadged Toyota Rav4, South Africa’s version is based on the Suzuki Victorius, which is a product of the Maruti division in India.
Suzuki Auto South Africa describes it as a “premium go-getter”, and you could probably get away with calling it the brand’s new flagship product, although in truth, there is a great deal of overlap with the current Grand Vitara.
Built on Suzuki’s Global-C Platform, the Across shares its 2,600mm wheelbase with the Grand Vitara but is 15mm longer than its sibling.
Buyers can expect a 10.1-inch HD infotainment system and 10.25-inch digital driver information system.
Image: Supplied
In terms of pricing, the lower-spec models actually undercut the equivalent Vitaras by R10,000, with the Suzuki Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL manual model coming in at R349,900 and the six-speed automatic commanding R372,900.
The flagship GLX auto model, at R464,900, costs R11,000 more than the Grand Vitara GLX.
For what it’s worth, Suzuki’s other popular SUV, the off-road-capable Jimny, tops out at R487,900.
The brand’s least expensive SUV, however, is the Baleno-based Fronx, which kicks off at R299,900 and tops out at R368,900.
In the broader market, the Across will have plenty of rivals to fend off, including the new Lepas L4 (from R299,900), Jaecoo J5 (from R339,900), Omoda C5 (from R339,900), and Chery Tiggo Cross (from R359,900).
Rear design is something of a departure for Suzuki.
Image: Supplied
Full specifications remain under wraps, but Suzuki says buyers can look forward to a 10.1-inch HD infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital driver information system and a powered tailgate.
In addition, the GLX variant gains an eight-speaker Infinity Premium sound system by Harman, 64-colour ambient lighting, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The front seats are also ventilated in the flagship model.
Prices also include a five-year or 200,000km promotional warranty and a four-year or 60,000km service plan.
Although the Across shares its 1.5-litre engine size with its aforementioned stablemates, which are powered by the venerable K15B engine, the newcomer features Suzuki India’s more modern K15C Mild-hybrid powertrain.
Unlike the former, the K15C features an integrated starter generator and 12V lithium-ion battery that assist the engine during acceleration.
South African outputs have not been announced as yet, but the Indian version, with 76kW and 139Nm, is slightly less powerful than the K15B, but it does promise better fuel efficiency.
How does Suzuki describe the new Across?
“The Japanese brand’s most advanced SUV yet, it combines stylish good looks with cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, an efficient mild-hybrid petrol engine, and family-friendly space and practicality,” Suzuki Auto SA said in its pricing statement.
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