Tag Archives: SUV

SUV, SUV/4X4, Suzuki

Big change with Suzuki SUV

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Suzuki Across hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

Suzuki is justifiably lauded for its small cars and four-wheel drive capability, but like most manufacturers is increasingly turning to electric power and in this case, a large SUV.

And like other manufacturers, Suzuki is collaborating with others in model production, sharing engines and body architecture.

The Across has been produced in collaboration with Toyota, who now have a stake in Suzuki, and vice versa and looks suspiciously like a RAV 4, because that’s pretty much what it is.

So Suzuki has joined the big boys, literally, with the Across, a AWD hybrid that looks good, has excellent range and delivers blistering performance.

OK, people buying SUVs don’t necessarily go for performance, but in typical electric vehicle style, the Across is extremely rapid off the mark, capable of hitting 60mph in six, seconds, proper hot hatch territory. The performance comes via a combination of electric motors, one on each axle, and 2.5 litre petrol engine, mated to the CVT transmission delivers a brutal 306bhp.

Add to this low emissions of just 22g/km a theoretical 282mpg economy and the ability to charge the battery on the move via the petrol engine and you have a versatile, practical performer.

This is particularly useful when entering low emission zones, where the claimed range of 46 miles on electric power only, means it is not subject to emission and congestion charging.

It is stylish and offers a comprehensive array of standard kit, but for a Suzuki it is expensive, up there in the near premium range.

It has just one specification and offers Suzuki’s E-Four electronic 4×4 system, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone automatic air conditioning, auto function opening tailgate and nine-inch multimedia touchscreen as standard, together with all the electric and electronic aids you would expect from a vehicle costing north of £45k.

It is a striking looking SUV, with a sporty stance, with a large deep grille, slim headlights, muscular wheel arches and eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels.

 The interior too, feels high end and features  quality upholstery with soft touch finish throughout, powered leather seats, multi-function steering wheel and the centrepiece touchscreen which controls sound system and connectivity through Apple CarPlay Android Auto and MirrorLink for smartphones.

There are also various storage spaces including driver’s and passenger’s side trays, centre tray, cupholders and a console box.

They hybrid system works in tandem with the 4×4 system and allows a rear motor that works in conjunction with the front motor to provide drive to either front or rear wheels, or both, depending on road conditions such  as icy road, or genuine off road conditions.

It can run on electric only at up to 84mph. Driving modes are selected by two central buttons which allows the driver to choose electric only, full hybrid, engine only or charge mode where the engine is used to replenish the battery in preparation for entering low emission areas. This obviously has a detrimental effect on fuel economy.

In addition, Trail Mode is an automatic limited slip differential control feature that ensures the best possible grip and control on slippery surfaces. It all sounds great and while it is no wallowing beast, cornering too rapidly causes the vehicle to become unsettled. Having said, that I can’t think of any SUV driver who demands sporty handling.

In practical terms. The Across has much to offer with a total of 490 litres of stowage space and the luggage compartment is equipped with a mains voltage (220V) electrical outlet and 12V accessory socket and can be accessed via kick operation electronic tailgate

It is packed with safety kit including airbags, traction and stability controls, collision prevention, radar cruise control, lane warning and rear traffic alert. If the vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, the eCall system alerts emergency services with a phone message that includes the precise location of the vehicle.

Factfile

Suzuki Across PHEV

Price: £45,599

Mechanical: 307bhp, 2487cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motors driving all wheels via CVT transmission

Max Speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 6 seconds

Combined MPG: 282

Insurance Group: TBC

C02 emissions: 26g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/62,000 miles

Mercedes, SUV, SUV/4X4

GLA star of the show

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Mercedes-Benz GLA

By Bill McCarthy

Selling more than a million models is a testimony to the appeal of Mercedes’ baby SUV. Baby is perhaps the wrong term. The smallest in the range, it is far more than a pumped-up A Class, on which it is based.

With its muscular stance, but still coupe-like lines and distinctive three-pointed star of Mercedes, silver roof rails and 19-inch, five spoke alloys, it never failed to attract attention.

This latest version is a bit higher and a bit shorter than its predecessor, but all models  are well equipped and goodies increase as you move up the range with this range topper featuring leather, heated and powered seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, multi-function steering wheel and high-end sound system.

Like all Mercs it hosts myriad gadgets and gizmos, not least its clever MBUX entertainment system which now uses the latest augmented reality software and a comprehensive range of safety kit. It also features highly efficient and frugal petrol and diesel engines and other cutting edge technology.

The interior on this range-topping model is pure executive quality, with piano black and soft touch finish throughout. 

Five round ventilation units are meant to offer a turbine look, and trimmed in chrome, are a classy touch. The centrepiece is a 10.25inch touchscreen which is the brains of the car, connected to a touchpad on the central console. 

Unlike some touchpads, this one is not jerky and works well, operating key features like sat nav, infotainment and connectivity for smartphones. It also houses the reversing camera.

On this AMG model another 10.25 inch merges with the touchscreen to provide a cockpit style and to deliver key driver information.

 The standard MBUX system uses  voice control. It can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options for configuring screens and graphics and sat nav with augmented reality and learning software. 

For this to work, the camera in the roof console behind the windscreen records a video image of the surroundings. This, in turn, enhances the system with helpful navigation information. Indicator arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed on the image shown on the media display touchscreen.

The GLA features two petrol and two diesel variants, with this model featuring the two litre, 190bhp diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

It is an extremely lively and refined unit offering rapid acceleration, high levels of torque, 400Nm for excellent pulling power in all gears and lowish  CO2 emissions. Add to this fuel consumption of around 50mpg and that’s pretty impressive considering the car is carrying the extra weight of the  four-wheel drive capability.

This diesel is a refined unit with barely any diesel clatter while acceleration is very brisk, the car hits 60mph in just 7.3 seconds.

The increased dimensions means there is plenty of leg and headroom while the seats are comfortable and supportive, the firmish but smooth ride means passengers have a comfortable experience and despite its high stance, the vehicle always feels stable with a marked absence of wallowing on corners.

As an SUV it needs to be practical and the seating arrangements offer various combinations, while the 485 litres of boot space can be increased  to a maximum of 1, 420, while the sliding rear seats offer extra practicality.

While unlikely to spend much time off road, the four wheel drive offers extra safety, with added traction in poor weather. Actually offroad, power is transferred 50-50 to each axle, giving the capability of pulling a horsebox or caravan on and off a muddy field.

Other safety features include a full complement of airbags, standard autonomous braking to avoid a collision, exit  warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when  pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings, plus many more. The range starts at £31,465.

Factfile

Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium

Price: £41,430

Mechanical: 190bhp, 1950cc, 4-cylinder, diesel engine driving all wheels via 8-automatic transmission

Max Speed: 135mph

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 49.6

Insurance Group: 37

C02 emissions: 130g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles