DRIVEN: FACELIFTED CROSSOVER FROM SUZUKI

Mid last year we had the change to drive Suzuki’s crossover, the S-Cross and since then it has received a facelift making it much more attractive and better equipped.

Outside, the dramatic change for the S-Cross introduced at the end of last year is that it has received a brand new front end, sculptured very differently to the outgoing model, giving it a more upright stance and much more road presence.

Three engines are available; starting with a pair of BoosterJets (turbocharged petrol units), the entry engine being a 1.0 three cylinder unit that produces 110bhp with 125lb/ft of torque which can either be equipped to a 5 speed manual or automatic transmission and comes with the option of front or four wheel drive.

Next up is the 1.4 four cylinder producing just shy of 140bhp with a snip over 160lb/ft of torque and comes with either a 6 speed manual or automatic transmission and can only be got with the four wheel drive ‘AllGrip’ drive-train.

Finally a single diesel offering is available which produces 118bhp with a fantastic 236lb/ft of torque from the 1.6DDiS engine and is only available with a 6 speed manual gearbox with the option of either front wheel or four wheel drive.

The combination of drive-train and power-train you choose may depend on what model you opt for on the S-Cross and this is where we see another hat-trick with great spec right across the range. Across all models see’s Bluetooth, DAB Radio, Air Conditioning, daytime running lights, cruise control and heated mirrors.

The entry level SZ4 starts from £14,999 and comes with 16” alloys as standard whilst the next model up, named SZ-T is well kitted and aimed specifically towards fleet buyers alongside the retail market and adds LED projector headlamps, 17” alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors along with a reversing camera.

Also fitted for comfort and safety on the SZ-T is dual zone climate control, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, silver roof rails and silver skid plates along the sides and around the rear. Topping the range at close to £25,000 is the SZ5 which further adds radar brake support, full leather interior, heated front seats and a double sliding panoramic roof.

This model tested thanks to Suzuki UK is the front wheel drive 1.0 BoosterJet with 5 speed manual ‘box and with its metallic paint option comes in at a pleasant £19,929 and is a mere £30/yr to tax.

Not only has the S-Cross received a facelift but it has had another lift, a lift that makes it a little more useful as a crossover, especially in AllGrip guise. That lift comes in the form of an extra 25mm ground clearance meaning it will easily cope with lanes, fields and the worst weather Barra Best could ever report upon.

Inside the new S-Cross has had a little plastic surgery also and is much less utilitarian than before, a very welcomed sight with plenty of soft touch material on display but don’t be expecting the finish of a German car as it is still very Japanese inside, just a lot more refined.

A pretty impressive load space in the boot makes the S-Cross a very practical car indeed with plenty of rear seating room for a young family which also benefits from ISOFIX mounting points for the youngest family members.

Infotainment is in abundance via a full colour touch screen which is built into the dash offering radio, DAB radio, sat nav as well as USB as phone connectivity.  This system is incredibly easy to use and can also be controlled via the steering wheel buttons.

Driving wise the S-Cross does everything it needs to do and although it won’t inspire a spirited drive, it does everything with comfort and ease. The little 1.0 BoosterJet is quite surprising in how it pulls and drives as despite having a small capacity its stats match that of many 1.8 normally aspirated cars.

Suzuki are well known for reliability and as such you get a 3 year / 60,000 mile warranty with 1 year AA Suzuki Assist added when purchased new. All in all the S-Cross has improved greatly from its previous model and for anyone in the market it should be considered as a very affordable option.

Words and Photos: Graham Curry