REGULAR readers will know we went on the recent launch of the new Suzuki S-Cross and were suitably impressed – but what is the company’s flagship SUV like to live with?
Well those lovely people at Suzuki let us try out a range-topping Ultra Allgrip version for a week where it was put to some very different uses.
These ranged from trips to the tip to four very adult sized middle-aged classic car fans travelling to Birmingham’s NEC for the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show.
Tip trips were no problem as the S-Cross has 665 litres of load lugging capacity but the car show was a bigger challenge as my passengers were more used to travelling in Porsches and Ferraris than a Suzuki!
However, initial lack of enthusiasm from my classic car comrades turned to respect for the very capable S-Cross with its mild hybrid powertrain set up giving up to a shade over 54mpg while 0 to 60 takes 10.2 seconds and it boasts a top speed of 121mph. It was also comfortable even with four on board and made short work of the 200-mile plus round trip.
The 2022 S-Cross is more economical than major competitors, well equipped and competitively priced, starting from £24,999 for two wheel drive versions up to £29,799 for our range topping 4×4, which went on sale in January.
All versions have 48V mild hybrid technology and there are now just two trim levels – Motion and Ultra. All versions also have the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with Suzuki’s Boosterjet technology.
ALLGRIP ‘Select’ four wheel drive is available as standard on Ultra grade while automated emergency braking, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control are standard across the range.
Standard specification also includes Apple CarPlay & Android Auto smartphone link, keyless entry and start, dual-zone auto air conditioning, heated front seats plus front and rear parking sensors.
Move up to Ultra specification and it adds a 360 view camera, leather upholstery, on-board navigation and a large sliding panoramic sunroof. Six-speed automatic transmission is available on both grades for £1,350.
Suzuki say the new S-Cross has a more ‘bold and muscular’ design and this theme continues with a more spacious and versatile interior and an even higher standard and safety specification than the previous model.
Similar to the 12V Hybrid system that Suzuki has fitted to all Ignis and Swift 1.2-litre models, the 48V Hybrid Powertrain for new S-Cross is lightweight as it adds less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.
The system has a lithium-ion battery with integrated starter generator which acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during acceleration. The battery stores energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle/stop function.
And while they are not the biggest car manufacturer by sales in the UK in many ways Suzuki are officially the best. The Japanese manufacturer has between one and two per cent of new car sales here but is repeatedly voted ‘most trusted’ brand as their dealers continue to get a big thumbs up from customers.
And I can also thoroughly recommend the Classic Car and Restoration show where almost every vehicle from the past 50 years was represented in various stages of rebuilding or as completed show stunners. So many cars so little time…
More info at www.suzuki.co.uk and www.necrestorationshow.com
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth