S-Cross review

author: FutureCar Staff    

Despite being around since 2013, the Suzuki S-Cross remains competitive with newer rivals. It has received continual updates, including two hybrid systems that offer efficiency comparable to other compact SUVs. The S-Cross also boasts plenty of standard tech, making it competitive on price. However, its interior feels dated compared to fresher competitors, and refinement could be improved.

The Suzuki S-Cross, originally known as the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, was introduced in 2013 with a range of petrol and diesel engines. In response to changing market trends and the arrival of hybrid rivals, Suzuki now offers two petrol hybrid engine options. The first is the mild-hybrid 1.4 Boosterjet 48v, which provides a little assistance to the engine when setting off or accelerating. It is available with a six-speed manual and a choice of two or four-wheel drive. The pricier 1.5-litre Hybrid S-Cross comes with a six-speed automated manual and is available in two- or four-wheel drive.

The Suzuki S-Cross is offered in two trim levels: Motion and Ultra. The Motion trim comes with plenty of standard equipment and starts at just over £26,000, while the Ultra trim is exclusively available with AllGrip four-wheel drive. The pricing of the S-Cross puts it in the category of hybrid-powered small SUVs and undercuts many family SUVs. However, the S-Cross's age means it is smaller in terms of interior space compared to contemporary family SUVs.

The manual 1.4-litre engine is the preferred choice as it offers better performance compared to the 1.5-litre Hybrid S-Cross, which is slow and jerky. The S-Cross has a comfortable ride and feels fairly eager to change direction due to its relatively light weight. However, its softer suspension setup results in more body lean compared to sharper handling SUVs. The S-Cross also lacks feedback in its light steering and has less grip compared to rivals like the Ford Kuga.

The S-Cross offers two engine options, with the turbocharged 1.4-litre being the most powerful in the range. The 1.4-litre engine has mild-hybrid technology for a boost in performance, while the 1.5-litre Hybrid is less powerful and comes with a frustrating six-speed automated manual. The 1.4-litre engine is recommended for a smoother driving experience. Toyota, Suzuki's technical partner, produces more refined hybrid cars like the Suzuki Across and Suzuki Swace.

The S-Cross's engines have regenerative braking to recoup energy for the battery pack. The mild-hybrid system provides a light amount of braking when lifting off the accelerator, while the 1.5-litre Hybrid requires gentle acceleration to keep the engine from firing up. The S-Cross has decent acceleration, with the standard mild-hybrid version taking 9.5 seconds to reach 0-62mph. Fuel economy and emissions compare well with hybrid rivals, but the S-Cross's predicted depreciation is steep.

The S-Cross has a simple and functional interior design, but it lacks the plush materials of its modern rivals. The infotainment screen feels aftermarket, and there is no option for a fully digital instrument cluster. The S-Cross comes with a smaller seven-inch touchscreen on the Motion trim and a larger nine-inch infotainment system on the Ultra trim. The system features sat-nav and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screens in rival models offer sharper graphics and easier usability.

The Suzuki S-Cross is smaller than many of its rivals, resulting in a less commanding driving position. It offers plenty of room up front and has various storage spaces for small items. The S-Cross has a thin windscreen and roof pillars, providing a decent view. LED headlights come as standard, but automatic high beam assist is not available. The S-Cross has a boot size of 430 litres in the 1.4-litre version, but this decreases to 293 litres in the 1.5-litre Hybrid due to the battery pack.

FutureCar Staff