Suzuki is going to launch the first car from the MoU with Toyota and it’s not just a rebadged RAV4, they have actually taken time out to redesign certain finer elements of the car.

Suzuki is all set for an international release of the first car from  their collaborative agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation, the Across SUV. The car is based on Toyota’s highly successful RAV4 and exudes the similar vibe of a full-sized SUV and is set inside the crossover lineup along with the S-Cross, hence the nomenclature. Paired with a Plug-In Hybrid system and All-wheel drive options, the A-Cross makes for a compelling contender in the segment.

The A-Cross has a muscular stature, polygon shaped design language carried throughout the car’s exterior results in a bold image, with wheel arches, open grille, and bumper all designed to give the car a very sturdy SUV look which compliments the powerful performance of the car. The DRLs, bi-beam projector headlamps, 19-in alloy wheels along with the impressive 490L boot space fitted with a 220V power socket are some of the sweeter attractions.

The car steals the deal with its Plug-in Hybrid system which dramatically improves economy, reduces carbon emissions and gives a lag-free acceleration and has an unparalleled all-electric range of 75 kilometers. The front electric motor is mated to the petrol unit that steps in to deliver massive amounts of torque at lower speeds and is instrumental in giving the car a signature smooth drive which can only be found in electric or hybrid vehicles. The 134kW motor is powered by a 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and produces a torque of 270 Nm, the battery has been placed beneath the floor to lower the centre of gravity and keep the big car more planted to the surface.

The 171hp 2.5L four cylinder engine  assists the 231 hp (combined electric motor output) motor during high-demand situations like high speed driving and also charges it with the total power out at 302 hp. The engine has direct cylinder fuel injection and port fuel injection technologies that work together depending upon demand to increase the engine’s output and also keep it extremely efficient. The car has multiple driving modes which vary upon the dependency on either of the power sources, with the HV mode the petrol engine steps in to share the load in case of hard acceleration and in EV mode the electric motor is shut down to re-charge while the petrol engine takes full load, which is not often thanks to the battery which has 96 cells, a capacity of 50.9Ah and a voltage of 355V, ample for most situations.

Suzuki’s E-Four all wheel drive system is also available which uses a rear mounted electric motor rated at 40kW to distribute power in a torque distribution ratio which ranges from 100:0 to 20:80, the sophisticated system is able to provide the driver with confidence to tackle challenging conditions like snow or sand with ease and better grip on slippery surfaces. The AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system which automatically controls the torque distribution, throttle control, steering assistance and braking.

The A-Cross is fitted with an automated limited slip differential which gauges the amount of grip required and adjusts itself to provide the best possible grip on a range of different surfaces, by braking on the wheels that lose grip and sending power to the ones which do. Throttle and transmission shifting patterns are also adjusted by the system to ensure that the vehicle does not end up stuck.  Along with this the car also has Pre-Collision system, Lane tracing assist, and Radar cruise control which houses a millimeter-wave radar. The car is priced at 45,599 pounds (INR 44.01 lacs) and will be on sale starting November.

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Anagh Bhaskar

I am a journalism grad who has always had a passion towards machines, especially cars and war machines, the sheer competitiveness of the industry which works with the same enthusiasm everyday without fail is what fascinates me.
Favourie Car: Nissan GT-R R35
Quote: What you do in life echoes in eternity- Russell Crowe, Maximus, Gladiator

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