Historically, one of the most familiar Suzuki models on Ugandan roads was the rugged Samurai, followed later by the boxy Grand Vitara in both single and double-door versions. While Suzuki has never been the most dominant brand in Uganda, the Japanese automaker has steadily evolved its lineup, introducing more refined and efficient models for modern motorists.
Among its latest additions is the hybrid Suzuki Across, a compact SUV that blends fuel efficiency, automation, and urban practicality. It arrives at a time when drivers are increasingly seeking smarter vehicles that reduce fuel costs while offering comfort and ease of driving.
Modern proportions
The Suzuki Across measures 4,360 millimetres in length and 1,795 millimetres in width, placing it firmly in the compact SUV category. It sits in a segment that increasingly appeals to urban drivers looking for a balance between size, efficiency, and versatility.
With its five-door configuration, the Across positions itself as an entry-level SUV in Suzuki’s lineup, comparable in concept to models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
Recently, I test-drove the Across from the CFAO Suzuki showroom in the Industrial Area, Kampala, navigating a route that included Jinja Road, Nile Avenue, Katonga Road, Acacia Avenue, Kira Road, Kisaasi-Bukoto, Kulambiro, Najjeera, Kira Road again, Kasangati Road, Gayaza Road, the Northern Bypass, Bukoto, and back to the showroom.
The objective was to assess real-world performance, including stability at moderate speeds, ride comfort on uneven roads, fuel efficiency, and the behaviour of its hybrid system in Kampala’s stop-and-go traffic.
Ride height and road comfort
With a ground clearance of 210 millimetres, the Across is well suited for Kampala’s uneven road surfaces and occasional rough upcountry terrain. It handles bumps and minor road imperfections confidently, though it is not as cushioned as larger, more expensive SUVs.
Its suspension absorbs most urban road shocks adequately, but sharper potholes and broken tarmac still filter into the cabin more than one would experience in higher-end SUVs.
Performance
Under the hood, the Suzuki Across is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a hybrid assist system. The result is a combined output that delivers smooth acceleration and responsive city driving.
The engine produces 136.8 Nm of torque, offering sufficient pulling power for overtaking and merging into traffic without strain. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is achieved in roughly eight seconds under normal driving conditions, aided by electric motor support in the hybrid system.
In real-world conditions, especially on faster-moving routes such as the Northern Bypass, the vehicle demonstrated stable cruising at moderate highway speeds.
However, like most compact SUVs, it is best driven within sensible limits for optimal stability and safety.
Fuel efficiency is one of its strongest selling points. On open-road conditions, the Across can achieve up to approximately 12.9km per litre, though this figure naturally reduces in heavy Kampala traffic where frequent braking and acceleration are required.
Inside, the Across features a modern, user-friendly cabin designed around practicality and ease of use.
The dashboard is dominated by two digital displays. Behind the steering wheel is a driver information cluster that provides speed, fuel levels, and vehicle alerts such as door status.
Centrally positioned is a 10.1-inch infotainment screen that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, media functions, phone integration, climate controls, and vehicle settings.
Below the screen are neatly arranged physical controls for air conditioning and infotainment functions, designed in a piano-key layout for ease of use while driving.
The steering wheel also carries integrated controls for audio, phone calls, and system navigation, allowing the driver to remain focused on the road.
The interior is finished in a combination of soft-touch and leather-like materials, enhancing both comfort and durability.
The seats are supportive for urban commutes and longer drives, with an emphasis on easy maintenance in everyday use.
One notable convenience feature is the climate control system, which adjusts cabin cooling automatically in response to external temperatures before allowing manual adjustments.
Safety
Safety is a key focus in the Suzuki Across. The vehicle is equipped with multiple parking sensors: four at the front and four at the rear, assisting drivers in tight urban parking conditions.
A rear-view camera system provides dynamic guidelines on the infotainment screen to help with reversing accuracy. As the vehicle approaches obstacles, the system issues audible alerts to warn the driver.
Additional safety systems include multiple airbags, front, side, and curtain, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The vehicle also features automatic door locking and electronic parking assistance functions depending on variant specifications, enhancing convenience and security during everyday use.
Given its hybrid configuration, caution is advised when driving through flooded areas. Exposure of the underbody electrical components can cause damage to the hybrid system, making it unsuitable for deep-water driving.
Exterior
The Suzuki Across carries a clean, modern SUV design with subtle styling cues that emphasise aerodynamics and urban sophistication rather than an aggressive off-road appearance. It is offered in a range of colours including black, silver metallic, pearl blue, red metallic, grey, pearl white, and pearl green, giving buyers a variety of aesthetic choices.
Cost
Mary Rugambwa, a sales executive at CFAO, says the Suzuki Across costs $31,500 (about Shs116m) after taxes and comes with a three-year warranty.
Verdict
The Suzuki Across is best understood as a practical urban SUV rather than a rugged off-roader. Its strengths lie in fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and modern interior technology.
While it does not aim to compete with larger SUVs in off-road comfort or high-speed stability, it delivers a balanced package for city users, small families, and motorists looking to transition into hybrid mobility without complexity.