Suzuki to launch Toyota RAV4-based plug-in hybrid

Suzuki will begin European sales of its Across plug-in hybrid in the third quarter as the automaker seeks to reduce its average CO2 levels to comply with European Union legislation.

The compact SUV is based on the Toyota RAV4. It is one of two Toyota vehicles Suzuki will badge for the region as part of a wider agreement between the two Japanese automakers. A compact station wagon based on the Corolla and built in Toyota's plant in Burnaston, England, will go on sale at the end of the year.

The Across, which is built in Japan, has CO2 emissions as low as 22 grams per km as measured on the WLTP cycle, Suzuki said. The comparatively large 18 kilowatt-hour battery gives it an electric-only range of 75 km (47 miles) when measured using the same cycle.

The SUV will be Suzuki's largest model in Europe at 4,635mm in length. It will also be the most expensive, but the automaker has not yet announced prices.

The Across pairs two electric motors with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine to give a total combined power output of 306hp.

The second of the two electric motors is mounted at the rear of the car to give it four-wheel-drive capability for better traction. Suzuki did not give acceleration figures, but Toyota has said that the system in the RAV4 plug-in hybrid model powers the car from 0 to 100 kph (62mph) in 6.6 seconds.

Toyota will begin European sales of the RAV4 plug-in hybrid in September, the automaker said. The RAV4 plug-in will be Toyota's second plug-in hybrid alongside a plug-in version of the Prius.

Suzuki has struggled to lower the CO2 emissions average of its smaller, mainly gasoline range of cars. Last year its average as measured on the outgoing NEDC cycle rose 6.3g/km to 120.6g/km according to data from market analysts JATO Dynamics.

The low average weight of its cars means the automaker has tougher targets than those brands selling heavier vehicles under the EU system. Suzuki has not disclosed its EU-mandated CO2 reduction target, but it is likely to be close to the 95g/km average that began this year.

The company has restricted sales of its popular Jimny small SUV model in the EU this year because the gasoline-only model was driving up its emissions.

Suzuki was one of the first automakers to introduce mild-hybrid technology to its cars in Europe and now Suzuki's whole lineup, except for the Jimny, is offered with the technology.