Suzuki S-Cross 4x2 GLX auto 2014 review

The S-Cross is the replacement for the compact SX-4 hatch cum four-wheel drive. The old one sold largely on price and though larger this one will struggle at the price against a sea of competitors, some arguably better.

PRICE / FEATURES

Prices start at $23,990 for the 4x2 GL with a manual, topping out at $35,990 for the 4x4 GLX with all the fruit. Our test vehicle the 4x2 GLX is $30,990 while all-wheel drive adds $3000 to the price (all prices drive-away).

The GLX comes standard with leather steering wheel, dual zone climate air, keyless entry/start, automatic lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, LED positioning lamps, 17 inch alloys, 7-speaker audio, 6.1-inch touchscreen with satnav, Bluetooth and USB integration.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Despite the fact that it is larger, the S-Cross is up to 110kg lighter and houses a smaller engine. It’s a simple 1.6-litre petrol unit that produces 86kW of power and 156Nm of torque, minus the benefits of direct injection but with variable valve timing - compared to the previous 2.0-litre engine that delivered 112kW and 190Nm.

The engine in our test vehicle was paired with a seven-step CVT style auto with change paddles for manual drive mode. Apart from the smaller engine weight savings have been achieved through a lighter exhaust manifold, higher efficiency fuel pump, a new exhaust pipe, revisions to the engine mounting systems and a lighter radiator and fan.

SAFETY

With seven airbags including a driver’s knee bag, electronic stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, the S-Cross has been awarded a full five star safety rating ANCAP. The GLX also comes with a reverse camera as well as rear parking sensors.

DRIVING

Not so sure about the plastic cladding that wraps the lower part of the body. Other car makers have started out with this in a bid to make their cars look more robust, but have later dropped the idea after negative feedback. The larger cabin certainly offers a more comfortable, user-friendly experience with generous legroom for rear passengers. Even with the rear seat in an upright position, Suzuki claims the new S-Cross is a class leader in terms of luggage capacity.

It’s an easy to car to live with but could basically do with a bit oomph. The days of the tearaway GTi seem so distant because Suzuki has in recent times established a reputation for conservatively powering its vehicles and the S-Cross is no exception.

And the slurring CVT transmissions that car makers are turning to in the quest for better fuel consumption do not do these smaller engine any justice. Having said that the S-Cross performs well enough in the urban environment that it is designed for with compact dimensions that make it easy to park and manoeuvre. Claimed fuel consumption for the CVT is 5.8 litres/100km (we were getting 7.1)

VERDICT

It’s larger than the model it replaces and offers just about everything you could conceivably want for the price, but ultimately fails to generate any excitement.