S-Cross review

author: FutureCar Staff    

Despite being around since 2013, the Suzuki S-Cross remains competitive with newer rivals. It has undergone updates, including the addition of two hybrid systems, which make it efficient and price-competitive. However, the interior design is dated and lacks refinement. The Suzuki S-Cross Motion Mild Hybrid is our recommended choice.

The Suzuki S-Cross was originally introduced in 2013 as the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross. It came with petrol and diesel engine options. Now, with the decline in popularity of diesel and the arrival of hybrid rivals, the S-Cross is offered with two petrol hybrid engine options. The mild-hybrid 1.4 Boosterjet 48v provides a boost to the engine for better fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre Hybrid S-Cross offers more power and comes with a six-speed automated manual. Both engines are available with two or four-wheel drive options.

The Suzuki S-Cross is available in two trim levels: Motion and Ultra. The Motion trim has plenty of standard equipment and is priced just over £26,000. The Ultra trim comes exclusively with AllGrip four-wheel drive. While the pricing is competitive, the S-Cross is smaller compared to contemporary family SUVs and offers limited interior space.

The manual 1.4-litre engine is recommended for its simplicity and performance. The 1.5-litre Hybrid S-Cross is slower and has a jerky ride. The S-Cross is relatively light and feels responsive, but its handling and grip are not as sharp as some competitors. The suspension provides a comfortable ride, but road noise can be high at higher speeds.

The S-Cross hybrid systems have regenerative braking to recoup energy for the battery pack. However, neither engine can drive the car under electric power alone. The mild-hybrid S-Cross takes 9.5 seconds to reach 0-62mph, while the full-hybrid S-Cross takes 12.7 seconds to 13.5 seconds. Fuel economy and emissions are competitive with hybrid rivals, but depreciation is steep.

The interior design of the S-Cross is functional but lacks the plush materials of newer rivals. The infotainment system features a smaller touchscreen in the Motion trim and a larger nine-inch system in the Ultra trim. The system is fine but lacks the customisation options and sound quality of competitors. The S-Cross offers decent front-seat space but is smaller than its rivals. The boot space is also limited, especially in the hybrid models.

Overall, the Suzuki S-Cross remains a competitive option in the compact SUV market, thanks to its hybrid systems and competitive pricing. However, its dated interior and limited space may be drawbacks for some buyers.

FutureCar Staff