Suzuki’s S-Cross SUV/Crossover is an affordable car for a young family and is now available with the option of a full hybrid version, writes Trish Whelan.
The model was launched in 2013, with a major facelift in 2016, and more recently, a redesigned version that arrived here last year. A full hybrid was added to the line-up in February of this year, ideal also for motorists who prefer to drive an automatic car. All manual transmission S-Cross versions continue with a 48V Mild Hybrid as standard.
A C-segment SUV, the model is quite similar in size to the Honda HR-V, Peugeot 2008, and Skoda’s Karoq and others, but is longer and wider than its Vitara sibling, with a lower roof.
The latest exterior design includes a more rugged and muscular appearance, a high bonnet line, raised suspension and large angular wheel arches. Being quite a high car makes getting in and out easy and also provides good visibility, things many people look for in a car. Six exterior colours are offered.
While the interior has more space and comfort, it still looks a bit dated compared to competitors, most notably in the dash styling and the old-fashioned graphics on the driver’s instrumentation display where the pale figures of the speedometer seem to blend in with the background. There are manual knobs for the dual-air con controls and a traditional type handbrake. Cubbies include a spacious glovebox, decent door bins and a deep area below the front arm rest which contains a 12V socket; there’s another power socket in the boot. While there is a USB port in the front, I couldn’t find one in the rear, which could cause problems for passengers attached to their mobile phones.
I found seats to be nice and comfy and made from good quality material that will take a lot of hard use. There is good back knee room behind a 6'2"-person in front but the person seated in the middle has the tunnel to contend with. Rear head room is really good. Cargo capacity is from 293-665 litres. There is a removable double luggage area floor for convenience while a bag hook and four tie-down hooks help keep things from moving around while on the move. There’s just a sealant fix for a puncture. S-Cross has all the tech most people need, as standard.
The spec includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and engine start, a centre display and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof rails, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, LED headlights and rear combination lights, dual-zone air conditioning, Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and childproof rear door locks.
A new Suzuki Connect app allows you connect to your S-Cross by smartphone wherever you are. It can tell your vehicle’s exact parked location and let you know if you forgot to lock the car. Use of this app is free for 12 months. Engine options are a 1.4 Boosterjet mild hybrid with manual transmission or the 1.5 Full Hybrid.
There's a 4WD option which allows choice from four selectable modes to match driving conditions.
The full hybrid's transmission is a 6-speed automated manual called Auto Gear Shift (AGS), that automatically shifts gears and operates the clutch. It sounds complicated. It’s not. Suzuki claim a fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100km for the combined cycle — during my week with the car I achieved an average of 5.3/100km.
The car is effortless to drive, nice and agile, easy to manoeuvre and to park as it’s not a long vehicle. It does take a few moments to climb up through the gears, with acceleration from 0-100km/h taking 12.7s. But remember, this is a family car.
I liked this car for its honesty. It’s not trying to be all things to everyone. I believe it will appeal mostly to a traditional type of buyer who doesn’t want too many high tech gadgets in their car, but one which covers all the basics for everyday use. S-Cross does exactly what it claims to do, without fuss.
S-Cross is built in Magyar, Hungary.
Every new Suzuki comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty.
I’d be very happy to have the S-Cross as my own personal car.
The OTR price is from €31,895. My car including Metallic paint option, €32,270.
