PLUG in hybrids have been with us for a while now but most suffer from over optimistic claims on electric only range.
However, the new Suzuki Across – a mid-size SUV and the biggest car in the company’s stable – seems to have bucked the trend.
Despite delivering an impressive 0-60mph time of 6.4sec the car’s claimed EV range of 48 miles seems realistic.
Now the observant amongst you may have noticed a striking similarity to another manufacturer’s SUV and that is because the Across is basically a Toyota RAV4 under the skin.
In a development collaboration the Across comes in just one trim and equipment level and six colours to choose from with some dealer-fit options available.
Other changes include a cargo partition grid, rubber floor mats and shiny Suzuki badges plus door sill trims.
Our test E-FOUR E-CVT car as a 182bhp, 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors,: 180bhp for the front axle and a more compact, 54bhp unit at the rear.
The car’s combustion engine and front electric motor are combined via a transaxle but the petrol engine can be disengaged and shut off either intermittently in Hybrid mode or full time for pure electric in EV mode.
The set-up is similar to that in the RAV4 Hybrid, though at 18.1kWh the liquid-cooled drive battery in the plug-in Across is considerably larger and front drive motor much more powerful – that means a 0 to 60 time similar a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The Across is identical in silhouette to the Toyota, although the face of the car has been restyled to some degree and appears softer and less aggressive than the RAV4. The car’s 19in alloy wheels are standard fit.
Inside the Suzuki is comfortable, well made and very functional with lots of space for occupants especially second-row head room and leg room
In EV mode performance is more than swift enough and the petrol engine will only step in when the battery is totally flat. However, In EV/HV mode it will cut in and performance is even punchier plus, even with a flat battery, you can still expect to see a mpg figure in the mid-40s.
Most plug-in hybrids seem to have limited EV range but this one really seems to work. Keep it regularly charged and, with a short-range commute, you might very rarely need to visit a petrol station.
The Across may be a rebadged, lightly restyled RAV4 PHEV but its foundation is impressive. Not only does Suzuki’s first plug-in hybrid have a class-leading range but it’s also capable of making good on those claims for electric-only driving. That excellent hybrid powertrain makes it one of the best PHEVs around.
I used the Across to transport four petrol heads to the recent Classic Car Show at Birmingham’s NEC and it got the thumbs up from passengers for comfort, space and kerb appeal.
FACTFILE: Price £45,000; Power 302bhp (combined); 0-62mph 6.0sec; Top speed 112mph; Battery size 18.1kWh; Fuel economy 282mpg; CO2 22g/km; Electric range 48 miles.
For more info see www.suzuki.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth