By Ian Strachan.
I’ve road tested Suzuki’s crossover vehicle – the S-Cross – a few times since its launch nearly 13 years ago. Every time it gets better and now it comes with the option of a smooth automatic transmission.
The impressive S-Cross is more car-like than many of its crossover competitors. It sits lower on the road which gives it better aerodynamic performance, which in turn helps fuel consumption, along with mild hybrid technology.
In the 1.4 Boosterjet all-wheel-drive automatic petrol-powered version, fuel consumption comes in at a pretty frugal 47.8 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
The S-Cross Ultra Allgrip automatic which I tested is powered by the 1.4 129 bhp petrol engine, which as well as good economy has sprightly performance.
To give you optimum four-wheel-drive performance, the S-Cross comes with intelligent all-wheel drive technology which includes electronic stability and hill hold controls. And despite being lower than some crossovers it still looks the part. Purposeful 17 inch polished alloy wheels, wide traction and meaty wheel arches make the Hungarian-built S-Cross look confident and capable, particularly with its aggressive front-end styling.
The engine, linked to a six speed automatic gearbox, never feels overworked. It’s as brisk as you need and will take a tad under 10 seconds to propel you from 0-60 mph. Maximum speed where allowed is 111 mph.
The S-Cross has a crisp, well laid out and comfortable interior, helped by soft-touch leather and cloth trim materials. The interior feels light and airy – helped by the double sliding panoramic sunroof. Seats – heated at the front – are comfortable and supportive and instruments are clear and well laid out. The whole of the interior feels spacious, pleasant and light – a nice place to be.
The S-Cross gives you a stable and safe ride, with little or no body roll on cornering. The car feels glued to the road, but still provides light handling and driver involvement. The automatic gearbox, though slightly hesitant in the lowest gear, feels smooth and stepless.
Equipment levels in the Ultra trim level are high, with all-round electric windows and door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, DAB digital radio, MP3 player and satellite navigation with a nine-inch touchscreen display, front and rear parking sensors and rear camera, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, steering wheel-mounted controls, 60/40 split rear seat, removable double luggage floor and front fog lamps.
You also get blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, auto stop-start, gear-change paddles, rain-sensing wipers and rear privacy glass. My test car cam in a striking Energetic Red (£550 option)
The S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet mild hybrid automatic in Ultra Allgrip trim level comes at £33,949 on the road.
The S-Cross had shown longevity and consistent improvements over the last 13 years. Long may it continue.
