Suzuki Across plug-in hybrid SUV priced from £45,599

Suzuki has confirmed the pricing of its new Toyota RAV4-based Across plug-in hybrid SUV, which goes on sale in November.

The new model is the first to go on sale under a new collaborative agreement between Suzuki and Toyota. A second model, based on the Corolla Touring Sports, will launch shortly named Swace.

The Across is Suzuki’s most powerful, most efficient and most expensive vehicle to date.

Only one model will be available, priced at £45,599. It will come with a high specification, including heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, an electric tailgate and a nine-inch infotainment screen.

Supply is expected to be limited but the new model attracts a 6% benefit-in-kind rate, which could make it desirable among fleets.

Powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, the Across provides all-wheel-drive, even in fully-electric mode.

Maximum power is rated at 306PS, giving the car a 0-60mph acceleration time of just six seconds.

An 18.1kWh battery provides up to 46 miles of zero-emission driving and helps the Across emit from 22g/km of CO2.

Practicality is boosted by a 490-litre boot, which includes a 220v electric outlet.

The Plug-in Hybrid system is equipped with four modes which are: Default EV mode, Auto EV/HV mode, HV mode, and battery charger mode which the driver can select depending on driving conditions and battery status.

In EV Mode the vehicle is driven entirely by the power of the electric motor even under full acceleration. When in Auto EV/HV mode and HV mode, the engine contributes to power delivery when required, such as when the accelerator is pressed strongly. To store electricity for EV mode when the charge is low, the battery charger mode runs the engine to fully re-charge the battery.