Cast yourself back to 2013 when the S-Cross first went on sale in Ireland. What you will remember is a model that overall failed to inspire. It didn’t have the appeal of many other models in the market at the time and the sales figures for Suzuki reflected this. Suzuki have obviously taken heed of this as they launched the facelift model of the S-Cross. So, what is it that they’ve changed to lure customers away from the competition.
Firstly, Suzuki have introduced a more distinctive and upright front end which results in the S-Cross gaining a stronger and bolder road presence. Ground clearance has also been increased by 15mm up to 180mm along with newly designed headlamps which add to a sharper look all around. At the rear, the LED combination lamps provide for a cleaner and more contemporary style than the outgoing model. The Suzuki S-Cross is available in three trim levels, SZ4, SZ-T and SZ5 with three engine options also in the form of a 1.0 litre Boosterjet, 1.4 litre Boosterjet and a 1.6 DDIS diesel engine.
Despite the rugged appearance of the new S-Cross it is designed first and foremost as a practical and stylish family crossover which is engaging to drive. Four-wheel drive is not standard on the 1.0 litre Boosterjet model, granted this would most likely have effects on your fuel economy.
Sitting into the S-Cross you will be greeted by an abundance of space. Given the tall stance of the S-Cross along with the wide front windscreen the visibility from the cabin is good. Storage compartments are common place throughout the cabin. There’s also lots of leg and headroom in both the front and rear. Getting in and out of the rear is made easier by the wide aperture of the rear doors.
Boot space in the new S-Cross, like the front of the cabin is plentiful. Access is achieved with ease given that the boot floor is low and flush meaning that loading heavy and cumbersome items is never an issue. There also additional storage space below the boot floor for storing additional items and keeping them out of harm’s way. With the rear seats in place the boot of the S-Cross has a capacity of 430 litres.
All SZ4 models are equipped as standard with seven airbags, ESP, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, air conditioning, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter, air conditioning, heated door mirrors, black protective skid plates and black wheel arch extensions.
SZ-T adds LED Projector Headlamps, satellite navigation, polished 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking camera, front and rear parking proximity sensors, Dual Zone automatic air conditioning, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, silver roof rails and silver rear skid plates. Suzuki introduced the SZ-T model specifically with Fleet buyers in mind, although it is available to retail customers as well.
Equipment for the top of the range SZ5 model includes Radar Brake Support (RBS), leather seat upholstery, heated front seats, double sliding panoramic sunroof and aluminium roof rails.
My test model for this review was the SZ-T trim powered by the 1.0 litre Boosterjet petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. I had previously experienced the Boosterjet engine at the launch of the Suzuki Baleno some months back. This engine is perfectly competent in the S-Cross. I did feel the need at times for an additional gear when getting up to motorway speeds. When the 1.0 litre engine is called on in a hurry it can become a little noisy but this levels out once you achieve your cruising speed. You are still left in no doubt that this little 1.0 litre engine is constantly working the 3 cylinders. Personally, I would opt for the 1.4 litre Boosterjet engine to reduce the workload whilst achieving the same goal.
From a handling perspective, the new SX4 S-Cross displays little or no body roll in corners and instils a certain level of confidence in the driver. Whilst the steering is light enough to allow for easy parking in town and city environments it appears to lack a certain amount of feedback when you are pushing on through country bends.
When it comes to ride comfort, the S-Cross makes a good effort to absorbing most of the undulations that you would expect to encounter on our nation’s roads.
When compared with its competition, the new SX4 Suzuki S-Cross is a well-priced option. Pricing ranges from €20,995 up €29,995 depending on trim level, engine size, transmission and the option of four-wheel drive. Standard spec even from the basic trim level are impressive and this should always be considered when attempting to compare like for like with possible alternatives.
Technical Specification
Engine Size – 1.0 Boosterjet
Fuel Type – Petrol
Power – 110 bhp
Torque – 170 Nm
Acceleration (0 – 100km/h) – 11 seconds
Top Speed – 180 km/hour
Consumption (Combined) – 5.0 litres/ 100 kilometres
CO2 emissions – 113g / km
Road Tax – €200
Starting Price – € 20,995 Model Tested – € 24,995
