The All New Suzuki Across

 Here's the latest addition to the Suzuki model lineup, the Across, and it takes the place of the Suzuki Grand Vitara as the flagship model while remaining in the same price range. Basically more for the same price. It retails from R349 900 to R464 900, for this specific top of the range GLX variant.

In April 2023, Suzuki South Africa launched the current generation Grand Vitara for the local market and it has been the brand's prestigious Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) offering for the past three years. It has not been facelifted since its debut, having only received model year changes such as the discontinuation of the hybrid powetrain and four-wheel ALL-GRIP drivetrain. 

The Across compensates for these drawdowns by introducing a more appealing and distinct look which features a rear digit light strip that extends from one end to other. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced with gloss black and chrome accents, as well as tinted quarter windows. The vehicle can come be styled in both single and dual tone assorted colours for a more personalized look.

What sets the Across apart from the rest of the models is that it boasts a generous list of exclusive features that raise the benchmark for the Suzuki brand in South Africa. First and foremost, it reintroduces the more efficient 6 speed automatic and mild-hybrid powertrain which were curtailed from the Grand Vitara specification. This hybrid system optimises fuel efficiency and compensates for the natually aspirated engine with responsive acceleration that gets the car moving when necessary. The lower GL variants accommodates those who learn towards the manual transmission. 

It goes further by adding the following comfort, aesthetic and convenience extras: 

• Digital instrument cluster • 8 Speaker Infinity branded sound system • Electric tailgate • Auto hold • Electric hand brake • Synthetic leather seats with fabric material inserts for more durability • Electric driver seat adjustment • Ventilated front seats  

It goes further by including these driver support systems to ensure safer and effortless driving: 

• Adaptive cruise control • Blindspot monitor • Lane departure warning • Weaving alert • Lane departure prevention • Front parking sensors • Rear cross traffic alert • Autonomous emergency braking

The vehicle is only available in the front wheel drivetrain with adequate ground clearane spannig over 200mm. Suzuki seems to have made a deliberate decision to reserve the four wheel drivetrain for the Jimny and does not intend to infringe on its identity as the brand's adventorous Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) of choice, thus the Across also misses out on the ALL-GRIP 4WD. 

The mid-sized Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment  many contenders and with the Across, Suzuki South Africa presents a rejuvenated and competitive model that keeps abreast of the modern tech features offered by other alternatives on the market. This is complemented by accessible pricing that is synonymous with the Suzuki brand and it is on record that the Across had already began outselling the Grand Vitara within two months after its March 2026 launch, based on sales figures published by National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). This augurs well for the future of the Across and also questions the future of the Grand Vitara nameplate.