We analyze a very compact SUV to take into account, although some of you have not thought about it: the Suzuki S-Cross. It has just received a complete restyling incorporating new hybridization technology. We tested the gasoline version with 129 hp.
Suzuki has been competing in the compact mid-size SUV segment for 9 years now with the S-Cross. Therefore, this is not a new car. In fact, its base is the same as the brand presented in 2015, but updated for the times.
The S-Cross has had to compete over the years with rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca, Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Kona, Skoda Kamiq, Kia Sportage and countless SUVs around 4.30 meters long. It has not been easy, but with this latest revision it gains in attractiveness and things are more expensive.
The S-Cross is an SUV that Suzuki sells alongside the Suzuki Vitara (link to the Suzuki Vitara video test). Unlike the Vitara, it has a more crossover style, less purist, more modern. And above it is the Suzuki Across, a clone of the Toyota RAV4.
It must be recognized that the Suzuki S-Cross has always been, in my opinion, an SUV with a rather bland design, a bit impersonal, and this may have reduced sales. Now, with this, let’s say third generation, it changes a bit on the outside, it’s a little more daring, it has more personality.
It has a very vertical front, well worked, with a chrome line that crosses and links the headlights. It was distinguished by its wheel arches with very square shapes, but which protrude little, and by mounting 17-inch wheels with ecological Continental Ecocontact tires.
In the back you can see some optics joined by a horizontal band. There are very vertical forms, which at the same time give a sensation of great width.
This unit corresponds to the S3 finish, the most complete. It mounts a 129 hp 4-cylinder gasoline engine, microhybridized. And an automatic transmission with Allgrip system. The approved consumption of this car is 5.3 l/100 km and emissions are 120 grams of CO2/km.
Its price: 36,429 euros of RRP. Everything you see in the images is included in the price, including the panoramic roof, which comes as standard in this top-of-the-range version.
Updated but classic front seats
The dashboard has a new design and new elements, such as a 9-inch touch screen, whose position has forced the ventilation grilles to be placed in a lower position. The rest changes rather little.
This screen has good menus, although it is a bit slow. It has connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the latter wireless. The sound equipment is good, it sounds good. It also equips an exterior vision system with 360-degree cameras.
The climate control is controlled by physical controls. In the console there is a hole for the mobile, but it is not for wireless charging. A conventional USB socket is also included, and the handbrake is a lever. The small central chest has its sliding lid.
In the upper part of the roof we find a glasses holder and a good panoramic sunroof. Here we find the dial for the insertion of the different driving programs. Snow, Sport or Auto. And the button to lock the torque distribution, in Snow mode.
good space behind
In the rear seats there is easy access, thanks to the fact that the floor is low and there is good space. Once inside, you are surprised by the good seat height and the correct space for your legs and feet. Sin low ceiling height, at least in this version with panoramic roof. The backrests are very vertical, somewhat uncomfortable. It equips an armrest with cup holders, but there are no vents, no possibility to regulate the temperature, and no USB sockets. It is a point to review.
The central passenger travels quite comfortably, since there is no transmission tunnel to bother.
Correct trunk, fair finishes
It has a capacity of 430 litres. We can gain 10 liters if we place the backrest in a vertical position. The maximum capacity, once the backrests of the second row have been folded down, is 1,230 litres. It is a trunk with very square shapes, with a good tray on the floor that can be placed in 2 positions. The puncture repair kit is stored in the lower hole. There are some hooks, but they are plastic.
This is a car to enjoy with the family. It has good space, and is comfortable on highways and expressways. It is carried very easily. It does not have great performance, but the engine performs well.
A gasoline with low torque
It stands out for having an engine that delivers a lot of torque below. I remember years ago that when I tested a Japanese car with a small displacement gasoline engine it was all up. Now, with the microhybridization, you have good response at low rpm.
The touch of the address is very direct, but it feels very filtered, it transmits little information.
This car weighs 1,330 kilos, so it is quite light. It is easy to wear and generally makes itself pleasant.
It comes well-equipped with driver-assist technology such as Collision Avoidance System with Vehicle and Pedestrian Recognition, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Hill Descent Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-Go Function, Unintentional Gear Shift Alert, lane assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and sign recognition.
The lane keeping system is very intrusive. Lucky that it can be turned off using this button.
The Suzuki S-Cross is manufactured in Hungary. The Japanese brand has sold 310,000 units in Europe so far, a figure that will increase with this new generation.
