Suzuki is a brand that over the years has found its place and exploit their position. It is a low-volume manufacturer in our country, with a limited range of models if we compare it with the major brands. However, he manages to pass on his philosophy from generation to generation perfectly and the clear example is that they have cars like the new ones. Suzuki s cross. It is a recently presented facelift and we have already been able to test it.
Even if it’s not a generational change to use, the base is the same as that of the second generation S-Cross which has produced such good results. It is impossible not to mention that this model has sold more than 650,000 units since its launch in 2013, of which over 310,000 units in Europe alone. Now with the new Suzuki S-Cross, they want to keep increasing that figure by showing that off-road character by offering four-wheel drive as an option.
Suzuki S-Cross 1.4T 129 CV Mild Hybrid 4WD Review
Exterior
As we said, the Suzuki S-Cross is essentially the same and it shows in its dimensions. Their dimensions hardly change and remain in the same SUV-C segment with a length 4,300 mm, a width of 1,785 mm and a height of 1,585 mm. In contrast, the wheelbase is 2,600 mm. That’s why we have a difference of only 12.5 cm regarding the Suzuki Vitara, which has always played a bigger role.
Although it doesn’t change much in terms of proportions, yes it does it aesthetically. The new S-Cross improves on that robust aspect that they have wanted to convey in this model since its launch. the most important novelty is the hexagonal grill generously sized with a glossy black finish. It is grooved by a chrome strip, with the brand logo in the center and aligned with new headlights with a new light signature.
In line with that crossover image bumpers are released that perfectly integrate the fog lamps and are reinforced at the bottom by a silver bumper. The entire bottom is made of black plastic, while the roof receives small bars. The rims are 17 inch in all finishes, the only difference being that they are polished on the top.
The rear is another part of the Suzuki S-Cross that get personality with restyling. In the upper part there is a small roof spoiler and in the central part the most differential element. We talk about the new led lighting that have been integrated into a blacklist to publicize the area. There is also a kind of black diffuser with the silver defense protecting the central part.
Inside
Another point where this Suzuki S-Cross evolves the most is in the inside. We are faced with a more technological cab that comes standard with a 7-inch central touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. In the superior finishes, the 9 inch screen that we have had the opportunity to test and which enhances the experience thanks to its graphics and ease of use.
In this case, in addition to the display of the 360º camera which is also a novelty in its equipment. The operation of the climate control is analogous and the buttons are very similar to what was previously seen in other models. A . appears behind the wheel traditional instrumentation with a small 4.2-inch screen with the on-board computer (and difficult to access).
In a model like the Suzuki S-Cross it is not the intention that there is excellent quality, but that be solved well. It achieves this with a good and solid finish, no unwanted noises appear. However, it should be made clear that some materials have a slightly bad touch, especially the low areas. The fabric upholstery or the rubbery dashboard stand out well.
We also liked the remarkable habitability reaching this crossover. The front seats offer an elevated and fairly comfortable driving position, although their design doesn’t tuck the body away too much. The sense of space and light increase in the equipment of the panoramic sunroof, which is one meter long. The large number of hollow glasses that appear is striking.
The back seat Suzuki S-Cross are also quite successful. There is generous legroom and headroom, always bearing in mind that it is a compact SUV. The seats are adjustable in two positions. The width is insufficient for five adults, as the central square has no shape and it is also crossed by transmission tunnel, it is better for four people to travel behind it. There are no air vents or loading inlets in the second row.
Trunk
In this example, the boat is maintained at a level that is within the average for the segment. Are 430 liter capacity, which are spread over a reasonably usable area. The lines are straight and on the sides there are still two holes left for smaller objects. This model also has advantages such as the 12V socket or the lighting in the trunk to make life easier for the user.
It seems more striking to us that the tray can be set in two positions, so that one cave under the floor very useful. In this example there is no room for the spare wheel, you have to settle for the handy anti-puncture kit. The second row of seats can also be folded down in two parts (60:40) to leave a flat surface with up to 1,230 litres capacity.
Equipment
The Suzuki S-Cross also introduces changes to its equipment. The finishes have been renamed with a simpler name: S1, S2, and S3. As a matter of pure logic, the S1 It is the entry-level finish, which comes as standard and is already quite complete thanks to 17 inch wheels, LED headlights, multifunction steering wheel, 7 inch touchscreen, instrumentation with 4.2 inch display, air conditioning, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, hill hold control and Suzuki DSBS safety aids.
One step higher is the S2, probably the most balanced, addition of roof rails, fog lamps, tinted windows, power folding mirrors, light and rain sensors, leather steering wheel, keyless start, dual climate control, heated seats, adjustable rear seats, rear center armrest, parking sensors, rear traffic alarm or blind spot detection.
The S3 It is the top of the range that mounted the test unit and adds polished 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, 9-inch touchscreen with navigator, extra speakers and 360-degree camera.
Engine
The mechanical range It’s the part that changes the least in the new Suzuki S-Cross. The same version as in its predecessor is still available and in addition it is the only one currently available. There is no diesel and it is a 48V mild hybrid petrol engine that gives the DGT ECO label. A conventional hybrid variant has been confirmed to arrive in 2022, but the details are still unknown.
At the moment we are satisfied with this S-Cross with 1.4 Boosterjet engine and with the MHEV system. Develops a power of 129 hp and 235 Nm par, an intermediate figure that is more or less what is distilled in the segment. This car can be selected with a six-speed manual transmission or with an automatic transmission with the same number of ratios. Likewise, it is offered with 2WD front-wheel drive or with 4WD four-wheel drive.
In our case, we got behind the wheel of the Suzuki S-Cross 1.4T 129 CV Mild Hybrid 4WD, the four-wheel drive manual version. Its performance is not bad, as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h. On the other hand, the average consumption is 5.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions at 133 g/km. It should be noted that from next year those with 4WD traction will pay registration tax.
Behaviour
When we first drove this Suzuki S-Cross 1.4T 129 CV Mild Hybrid 4WD, we found the level of sophistication offered by the engine. You hardly notice the start or when the Start & Stop jumps, it is very well resolved in this regard. However, the sound insulation did not suit us very well, as noise, especially at higher speeds, still seeps into the interior, reduce comfort on the road to the whole. It’s not a little too blatant for an SUV, but it should be taken into account.
That there is only one mechanical option could be a deterrent for many customers. However, the 48V mild hybrid petrol engine is the center which can serve most satisfactorily. It is enough to easily move the crossover and it stands out for its performance in the middle zone, with a torque of 235 Nm. operating between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. The manual change seems like a logical option, although it feels a bit soft and doesn’t broadcast much.
That same statement can be applied to the car in general, as the Suzuki S-Cross doesn’t try to excite. Nevertheless, surprised by his balance, making it quite easy to adapt to any field. Comfort on the road is the main starting point, with sportiness being completely renounced. Nevertheless, the chassis responds well even in the sections of curves through the mountains of Madrid that we encountered during the presentation.
The highlight could be the suspension adjustment, which contributes to the harmony of the whole. Solve the unevenness of the terrain, so that the bumps of the city or the highways in bad condition are even when we make a turn through the countryside. The direction does not guide too much Due to their lack of communication, the driver does not feel much where the wheels are going. The normal course of business, in today’s cars, go.
As we said, although not a true all-terrain vehicle, the Suzuki S-Cross is one of the few cars in the segment whose legs do not vibrate when get off the asphalt. It can take on the roads or bad weather thanks to the four-wheel drive 4WD with AllGrip Select. A control in the center console can be used to choose between the modes Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock; with what would intelligently adapt to any situation.
Having four-wheel drive is very good in some situations, but also disadvantageous in others. The consumption of this copy will be slightly higher than with the front-wheel drive versions. Although we cannot obtain reference information solely by making contact, it seems that we about 7-7.5 l/100km depending on the usage that is given. Despite being a micro hybrid, it is not a panacea for efficiency.
Suzuki is one of those brands that they are clear about their path and they follow it without thinking. In the contested segment of compact SUVs comes this other product that bets on the vocation and the off-road character. The Suzuki S-Cross is not completely new, but it does introduce major aesthetic and technological changes. The only micro-hybrid option is balanced and the package offers good dynamics, in addition to that extra quality that is 4WD all-wheel drive.
Another point to consider with the Suzuki S-Cross is its good value for money. It’s a car that part of 24,945 euros (including discounts) in the most basic version, which is already quite complete. The good thing is that the price it doesn’t shoot too much, since the most equipped, automatic and with four-wheel drive remains 32,800 euros including factory discounts. There are also good deals on autos.com along with favorable financing terms.
