Fast Facts
| Features | Details |
| Engine | 1.5-litre petrol 4 cylinder |
| Power | 76 kW |
| Torque | 137 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transmission |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 5.3L /100km |
| Tested Fuel Consumption | Low 6.0L/100km (Urban usage) |
| Price as Tested | R349 900 |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, ISOFIX, Hill Hold Control, Rear PDC |
| Service Plan & Warranty | 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 5-year/200 000 km promotional warranty. |
Pros
- Good NVH
- Nice infotainment setup
- Decent driving ergonomics
- Fuel consumption
Cons
- A more powerful engine would help
- It's not the strongest representation of a Suzuki flagships
- Stiff competition
It comes as no surprise that I quite like the Suzuki brand and what they have to offer. Suzukis are cheerful pieces of machinery that have found plenty of public favour, and this is reflected in the monthly new-car sales figures. When you give the people what they want, they'll come in droves. Here comes the Across, what Suzuki touts as its current flagship vehicle, intended to tackle the C-Segment SUV market. Given the stiff competition from Chinese brands, can Suzuki get its point across? We had the entry-level 1.5GL manual on test.
Styling
You can see that the Across shares some DNA with the Grand Vitara, though there is less emphasis on large grilles and slightly different lighting signatures. Though we still get a side profile with broad fenders and sharp body contours. Furthering the SUV look is plenty of plastic cladding on the Across's body, in key areas such as the wheel arches, rocker panels, and bumpers. The Across's rear stands out the most; though simple, it's attractive. The flattened rear with an LED light strip looks grand. Gracing our GL unit are 17-inch, 5-spoke, metallic grey wheels. It's a good-looking vehicle and still has a rugged look.
Space and Comfort
Airy is a good way to describe the Across's cabin. The centre stack is neatly laid out, with manual controls for the air conditioning and a rotary knob for volume. It's not the best-feeling switchgear to operate, but I appreciate that it's there instead of relegating functions to an infotainment screen. Speaking of, the stack is crowned by a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. It's certainly an upgrade, with a clean UI, decent speed, and a really quick wireless connection to Android Auto. Complementing this is the 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster, housed in a cowl, with decent clarity.
There's a missed opportunity in the Across cabin: the omission of dual-zone climate control is what you'd expect from a flagship vehicle. The GL Manual comes with cloth upholstery and a urethane multi-function steering wheel. The materials on use here are decent for the price point. In terms of boot space, you're looking at 347 litres, which can be extended with the 60:40 split rear seating. Another nice touch is the electronic tailgate, which is also remotely operated. Rear seat space is also pretty spacious. Praise especially goes to the NVH levels in the Across cabin; it's silent, highlighting that the Across is well put together.
Performance
The Across's powertrain is the bulletproof K15C engine—a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 12V mild-hybrid system. Total power output is rated at 76 kW and 137 Nm. In this trim, there is a 5-speed manual and ISG (Integrated starter generator). Power is delivered to the front wheels.
The Drive
Piloting the Across is a smooth experience. I first experienced the car at the coast, where naturally aspirated cars feel significantly more brisk. Up here at altitude, the Across feels agreeable, but as a whole, it needs extra punch. Perhaps a larger engine displacement would remedy this, not necessarily turbocharging, as that would add complexity to the whole setup. Despite that, the manual gearing does the job nicely, and the clutch is very light.
Regarding how the Across handles, it feels surefooted and has a taut steering feel. Ride quality is also good with a well-balanced primary and secondary feel, though the factory CEAT tyres do have some noticeable road noise. At 1175kg kerb weight, the Across is quite light indeed, but doesn't feel easily unsettled.
I would like to see more UI in the instrument cluster for the hybrid system; it gamifies the effort to be as efficient as possible.
Fuel Consumption
Claimed fuel consumption for the Across is 5.3 L/100km. We achieved around 6.0 L/100km at the lower end, but this was mostly urban usage.
Safety
NCAP Rating:
Adult: ★★★★★
Child: ★★★★★
The Across comes standard with the following notable safety features:
- 6 airbags
- ABS, EBD, ESP
- Hill-Hold Control
- ISOFIX
- Rear PDC
Price
| Model | Price |
| Suzuki Across 1.5 GL manual | from R349 900 |
| Suzuki Across 1.5 GL auto | from R372 900 |
| Suzuki Across 1.5 GLX | from R464 900 |
The Across's purchase price includes a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and a 5-year/200 000 km promotional warranty.
*Pricing stated here was correct when publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.
Rivals
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Kia Sonet
- Omoda C5
- Jaecoo J5
- Haval Jolion
- Chery Tiggo Cross
- GAC GS3 Emzoom
The Verdict
The Suzuki Across is a modest car, but I'd argue it's not the best Suzuki has had as a flagship in recent memory. Something recent, like say the Vitara Turbo, had the machinations of a Suzuki flagship and even the older Grand Vitara models. Though the Across, in 1.5 GL Manual and Auto guise, make a strong case for the model at its price points, the pace at which Chinese competitors are moving, particularly with hybrid powertrains, will have to be answered in due time. However, it is South Africa's cheapest brand-new hybrid vehicle to date, which is a nice accolade.
