SUZUKI'S SUV line-up will gain a larger range-topping model later this year, when the Across arrives.
If it looks vaguely familiar, that's because this new Suzuki is in fact a Toyota RAV4 that has been rebadged and given a Suzuki grille and different headlamps.
The two Japanese companies have an agreement to work together, and the Across is the first-fruits of the collaboration.
It's not a bad place to start, for the RAV4 is a highly competent family SUV. Suzuki is taking the plug-in hybrid version, which will give it a leg-up in the fast-growing electrified market. The Across is also four-wheel-drive.
That plug-in drivetrain, which pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, helps the Across deliver CO2 emissions of 22g/km - lower than the RAV4, which suggests its total system power output may not be quite as high as the Toyota's 302bhp. EV-only range is said to be up to 46 miles.
Safety aids include a pre-collision system, lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, radar cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
A Suzuki version of the Toyota Corolla is expected to be the next product of the partnership.
Suzuki is set to benefit from Toyota's hybrid and electrification know-how while Toyota is keen to tap-in to Suzuki's small car expertise.
The Across is expected to go on sale in the autumn.
