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First drive review: Suzuki S-Cross

Monday, 11 July 2022

The new S-Cross looks way better than the old one. Even Suzuki says so.
The new S-Cross looks way better than the old one. Even Suzuki says so.
That new front end is quite attractive.
That new front end is quite attractive.
Old versus new. We’ll take the new.
Old versus new. We’ll take the new.

While the first generation of S-Cross (then badged SX4) was popular among Kiwi buyers, the styling of the second-generation didn’t click quite as well. Suzuki even admits this, and has given the small SUV a healthy facelift for 2022.

A new nine-inch touchscreen is available in the JLX model.
A new nine-inch touchscreen is available in the JLX model.

Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?

The general bones of the S-Cross haven’t changed much, although every model now gets the 1.4-litre BoosterJet turbo engine, paired with a six-speed automatic. It still rides on the same platform as before, which also underpins the Vitara.

The rather saturated roads of Napier played host to the new S-Cross launch.
The rather saturated roads of Napier played host to the new S-Cross launch.

**READ MORE:

* S-Cross: The more mature half of the Suzuki double act

You get a generous 440L of boot space with the rear seats up.
You get a generous 440L of boot space with the rear seats up.

* Still some muddy thinking around Suzuki S-Cross SUV

* Funky new Suzuki Ignis is a thoroughly modern blast from the past

The only thing really missing from the package is a hybrid powertrain.
The only thing really missing from the package is a hybrid powertrain.

**

The S-Cross is generally larger though, measuring 4300mm long, 1785mm wide and 1585mm tall compared to the 4175mm/1775mm/1610mm Vitara. It also gets a 2600mm wheelbase versus 2500mm for the Vitara.

More interesting are the new looks, which revamp the entire car’s appearance. There’s a higher front and rear design, new horizontally oriented lights (LEDs at both ends), a chrome style bar through the front grille, and thick black cladding around the wheel arches.

The rear features a silver ‘bash plate’, rear lights made up of segmented light units, and a small rear spoiler.

Inside is a new nine-inch infotainment screen on JLX models (JX gets a seven-inch unit) with Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, voice recognition and sat nav. JLX also gets a 360-degree camera in a first for Suzuki, while both models get automatic headlights/wipers and keyless entry.

Every S-Cross gets a healthy update in safety as well, with collision warning/mitigation, AEB, lane departure/weaving alert, adaptive cruise with stop/start, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, along with seven airbags.

Hybrid? Not yet. Suzuki said that, since this is a European model, it depends on what they do over on the Old Continent, which probably means 2023, if not later. There is a mild-hybrid version over there, but it’s not yet confirmed for NZ roads.

Where did you drive it?

Suzuki took us to Napier for a short drive of the new S-Cross. We drove the JLX model but the front-wheel drive version (AWD is available only on JLX models) and initial impressions are good. The ride quality is decent, even with the old-school torsion-beam rear end, and the new cabin is a sizeable improvement, with leather-trimmed and heated front seats for JLX models, dual-zone air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and reach adjustment.

The steering is light which is nice for urban navigation, but it offers little feeling or feedback. A six-speed auto might seem a bit old-school these days, but it takes advantage of the BoosterJet’s low-end torque nicely. The JLX we drove had paddle shifters and a manual mode for the transmission, but only all-wheel drive versions get a drive mode selector, coming part of the AllGrip Select package. That adds Auto, Snow, Sport and Lock modes, the last one being for getting out of thick mud.

Fuel consumption was comfortably under 10L/100km, even after some high-rpm testing, so getting below 7L/100km with normal use shouldn’t be too far out of the question. Suzuki did stress that 95 RON was the minimum for this engine though.

Eco-minded Continentals meant front-end grip was somewhat compromised in the damp, but that’s an easy post-purchase fix. Suzuki mentioned it doesn’t get to choose the rubber – another outcome of the global supply shortages.

What’s the pick of the range?

We only drove the front-drive JLX, but after talking to others that drove the AWD version, it seems that if you’re not often off the beaten path, you can get away without the drive to the rear wheels and saving two grand.

But if you are strapped for cash, the entry JL still provides a lot of value. You get cloth seats instead of leather-trimmed, a smaller screen without wireless CarPlay/built-in sat-nav and a rear-view camera instead of the 360-degree unit, but the same powertrain and safety kit.

Why would I buy it?

You like Suzuki’s approach to small cars and vibe with the new styling.s

Why wouldn’t I buy it?

You’re willing to take a slight hit on the size to get the electricals of the cheaper Yaris Cross Hybrid.