Despite looming pressures from upcoming Australian emissions laws, Suzuki Australia says it won’t bring rebadged Toyota models it offers in Europe to Australia.
Speaking with CarExpert, managing director for Suzuki Automobiles Australia Michael Pachota said there are no plans to bring either the Toyota RAV4 Prime-based Across or Corolla Touring Sports-based Swace to local showrooms.
“We don’t have to go so far down that path with regards to the Suzuki Across and Swace,” Mr Pachota said.
“Our plan before NVES was even announced was to electrify the majority of range in 2025, and in 2025 the majority of our range will be hybrid.
Suzuki Across
“That being said, as we progress with new product introductions, as we already planned, we’re pretty much slotting straight into NVES.
“The only vehicle that doesn’t fit the mould 100 per cent is Jimny, as there is no plan for a hybrid option at this time,” Mr Pachota added.
Sold in emissions-conscious markets like Europe and the UK, the Suzuki Across is a badge-engineered version of the Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).
It teams a 136kW/227Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 134kW/270Nm front-mounted electric motor and 40kW/121Nm rear electric mtoor.
Suzuki UK claims ‘weighted combined’ fuel consumption of 1.0L/100km with a fuel charge, accounting for the hybrid battery’s 75km EV driving range.
Suzuki Swace
Meanwhile the Suzuki Swace is a rebadged Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid wagon, powered by a 102kW/142Nm 1.8-litre hybrid system incorporating a 70kW/185Nm electric motor.
Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.5L/100km on the WLTP cycle.
Suzuki Australia is gearing up for a hybrid product onslaught over the next 12 months, led by the Swift Hybrid later this month and followed by the Vitara Hybrid, S-Cross Hybrid and Fronx Hybrid in the early stages of 2025.
It’s understood the Ignis crossover is on the chopping block next year, likely due to new rules coming into force on March 1, 2025 mandating autonomous emergency braking which will mean the Ignis in its current form can’t be sold locally.
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