Suzuki has introduced the new S-Cross as the successor to the SX4. After the first introduced mild hybrid model, a full hybrid model is now also available.
At the end of 2021, Suzuki presented the successor to the SX4 S-Cross. The second generation looks more mature and has more SUV character than its predecessor. In addition there is a new name, the SX4 is omitted. After the S-Cross initially drove up with the 129 hp mild hybrid turbo petrol engine in the first quarter of 2022, the full hybrid version with the already known from the Suzuki Vitara drive train follows.
More SUV design
The design of the S-Cross has become significantly more robust than its predecessor. On the one hand, the shape with straight, almost vertical surfaces at the front and rear contributes to this, but also the details such as the significantly larger radiator grille or the striking tail lights, which are now clearly carved out of the body. The bonnet no longer slopes forward as much, which gives the S-Cross additional presence. The rear-sloping roof creates an SUV coupé look, but also means a relatively small rear window, which probably won't be ideal in terms of clarity.
The footprint of the new Suzuki S-Cross hasn't changed. At 4,300 mm long and 1,785 mm wide, it's exactly the same size as its predecessor. The height (1,585 mm) hasn't changed either. This suggests that no changes are to be expected in terms of space either, the loading volume is 430 - 1,230 liters. With the predecessor, there was still 39 liters more with the rear seat bench completely cleared away - not really worth mentioning. All in all, the whole thing looks more like an extensive facelift and not as a generational change.
Engines with mild or full hybrid
Under the hood, the well-known 1.4-liter petrol engine with mild hybrid technology (starter generator) continues to provide propulsion. Nothing has changed in the performance data compared to the previous model: 129 hp, 235 Newton meters of torque. This is enough for the SUV, which weighs around 1.3 tons, to reach a top speed of 195 km/h and a zero-hundred sprint time of 9.5 or 10.2 seconds, depending on the drive system.
As a second drive option, the full hybrid is now used, as is already offered in the Suzuki Vitara. Here Suzuki combines a 102 hp four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters and an electric motor with an output of 24 kW/32 hp. The maximum system output available from both drives is 85 kW/115 hp and is therefore 14 hp lower than with the Boosterjet mild hybrid. The basic data of the petrol engine corresponds to the K15B, as it is also used in the current Suzuki Jimny, for example, but has a higher compression ratio of 13.0:1 as well as more power and torque.A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.84 kWh is installed as a traction battery to drive the electric motor and to store the recuperation energy. Ideally, this is enough for around one kilometer of purely electric driving.
Only the hybrid with automatic
Both engine variants will continue to be available with all-wheel drive, which sets the Suzuki S-Cross apart from many of its competitors. With the introduction of the S-Cross 1.5 Dualjet Hybrid, however, the previously offered automatic version of the 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid is no longer available. It is now only available with a manual transmission, while the 1.5 Dualjet always has an automated manual transmission, in both cases with six gears.
The updates in the interior have been cautious, even the steering wheel is from the predecessor. The most significant innovation relates to the multimedia display, which is no longer embedded in the dashboard but is attached and is therefore also higher. With a diagonal of nine inches, it is also larger than its predecessor. The lower area of the center console, including the air conditioning control unit and the rotary switch for the drive programs, remains unchanged. It also stays with classic analog instruments with pointers, but with new graphics.
More assistants, higher prices
A lot has happened in the assistance and comfort systems. The new Suzuki S-Cross can be ordered with a 360-degree camera system, among other things, there is adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant, traffic sign recognition and a parking assistant. The smartphone can also be connected wirelessly via Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Suzuki offers the S-Cross as a mild hybrid in three versions: as a front-wheel drive with the Comfort equipment for 29,290 euros, with all-wheel drive as Comfort for 31,140 euros and as Comfort+ from 34,540 euros. The 1.5 Dualjet hybrid with front-wheel drive starts at 32,290 euros, with all-wheel drive it is only available as Comfort+ for 37,540 euros. This puts the new S-Cross noticeably above the previous model, albeit with a higher equipment level. Among other things, two-zone automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, the multimedia system (in the base version with a seven-inch display), LED headlights, a reversing camera and the keyless system are standard in all versions. There are surcharge options only for the paintwork (metallic for 600 euros).
Conclusion
Generation change or facelift? Probably the latter, because what has changed in the new S-Cross apart from the waiver of the preceding SX4 in the type designation, above all the design of the front and rear. Dimensions and basic drive remain the same, and the interior has only been supplemented with a new multimedia system. The range of engines has been supplemented since summer 2022 by the full hybrid variant with a system output of 115 hp.With the new, more striking look, customers will not find it easy to choose between the S-Cross and the somewhat shorter but also cheaper Vitara.
