SUZUKI has always been praised for its excellent small cars and four-wheel-drive models like the Vitara but now it has taken a leap forward by introducing the Across.

The large and attractive Across is the result of Suzuki's collaboration with Toyota and as a result it looks good and drives really well.

It looks a lot like the Toyota Rav 4 and that is no surprise because it shares pretty much everything with the Toyota product but Suzuki has still managed to put its stamp on the car.

The Across takes Suzuki and its dealers into new areas both in terms of size and pricing but it deserves to work for them.

The striking Across offers SUV toughness combined with cutting-edge plug-in hybrid performance and advanced 4x4 technology.

It is seriously quick for a car of its size and can put some hot hatches to shame. It reaches 62mph in just six seconds and tops out at 112mph thanks to its combination of electric motors, one on each axle, and 2.5 litre petrol engine, mated to a CVT transmission, to deliver an impressive306bhp.

It offers really low emissions of just 22g/km a theoretical 282mpg economy and the ability to charge the battery on the move via the petrol engine.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. To get the best out of the car you charge it every night and run it as much as possible on electric power.

At £45,599 the Across is not a cheap car and it puts it up against rivals from premium manufacturers but you do get a lot of car and technology for your cash. It comes in only one high specification and offers the electronic 4x4 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 latest safety and electronic aids you would expect from a vehicle of this class.

It has a muscular sporty stance thanks to its deep grille, slim headlights, wheelarches and really smart 19-inch alloy wheels. My car came in white pearl crystal paint and the black trim really made it stand out.

The cabin is finished with quality materials - no hard plastics here - only soft touch finishes and premium features. The leather seats are powered, there is a multi-function steering wheel, a large touchscreen which controls the sound system through either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There is a DAB radio and full climate control.

The hybrid system works in tandem with the 4x4 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 or off road excursions.

In addition, Trail Mode is an automatic limited slip differential control feature that ensures the best possible grip and control on any kind of slippery surfaces.

The Across can run on electric only at up to 84mph and 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.

The Across is a great car to drive and it corners well and handles all surfaces with ease providing a comfortable ride and it is also a great motorway cruiser. You have to be mindful of its size in town and in car parks but that is the same for any large SUV.

Like the Rav 4 it offers great space with a 490 litre boot and the luggage compartment is equipped with a mains voltage (220V) electrical outlet and 12V accessory socket. Drop the rear seats and you can access 1,168litres of space via the kick operation electronic tailgate. The cabin also boasts lots of storage areas and cupholders.

As you would expect it is crammed with safety kit including multiple airbags, traction and stability controls, collision prevention, radar cruise control, lane warning, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert and lots more.