4-Focus IAIN ROBERTSON TAKES A LOOK AT NEW INNOVATIONS
SUZUKI – LEANS ON TOYOTA FOR PLUG-IN HYBRID TECH Arising from its need to broaden its range profile, Suzuki reveals its badge-engineered version of Toyota’s RAV4, the Across. The RAV4 is a particularly good hybrid SUV. For a brief period of time, Suzuki will have the advantage of a plug-in version, which boasts an excellent 22g/km CO2 exhaust emissions and an EV driving range of around 42-miles. Apart from the plug-in development, which Toyota will feature itself in due course, the core engineering is identical. The engine is an Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that drives all four wheels through an e-CVT (constantly variable transmission), developing a slightly confusing 136kWrpm, which equates to around 186bhp. Actually, it works in conjunction with the front electric motor, which draws its energy from an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the cabin floor. The engine provides extra power, when it is called into action, but most of the time it ensures that the battery is topped-up. The drive priority is always electric, although four selectable settings allow the driver some control over how the system operates. Four-wheel drive is provided by an additional rearlocated electric motor (40kW) that is electronically managed to vary between 100% front to 80% rearward torque bias, dependent on road surface and weighting conditions. Improvements are felt in traction and handling balance is
optimised. Known as AWD Integrated Management, it works without driver intervention to maximise stability. Across is Suzuki’s first plug-in hybrid.
NEW CAR TECH
BENTLEY – HIGH-END BENTAYGA SUV RECEIVES HIGH-END MAKEOVER
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Possessing a title as ‘the world’s fastest SUV’, a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers a whopping 542bhp punch, to which is factored in 568lbs ft of torque. In ‘regular’ form, this potency entitles a top whack of 180mph, after despatching the 0-60mph sprint in an immodest 4.4s. However, it needs its cylinder decoupling technology (four of them can be cut-off during light throttle cruising) to return 21.2mpg (official combined), while emitting 302g/km CO2 allied to the price tag that will mean several thousand Pounds’ worth of road tax dues. Although it is unavailable for the moment, the 6.0-litre W12 engine is being retained for the more focused Speed model (unavailable in the UK, or Europe), which will top 190mph, glug fuel like an Oliver Reed tribute act and ensure that the performance flag flies high at Crewe. A plug-in hybrid version will also be available to soften the eco-blow. Bentayga offers the most comprehensive range of four on-road and four off-road driving modes and, thanks to a 20mm increase in rear track width, greater stability, better steering responses and enhanced grip levels are dialled into the chassis dynamics program. Despite having just two headlamps on the new Bentayga’s more upright nose, their range and flexibility are among the most advanced of any, with 82 adaptive LEDs within each unit. The wipers are also a bit special, featuring 22 heated washer jets in each arm that clean the screen most efficiently. Prices start at £140,000, rising to almost £240,000 for the W12 Mulliner Speed model. 20,000 examples of the original Bentayga have been sold.
