Suzuki S-Cross GLX vs Peugeot 2008 Allure

The not-so-little Suzy gets cruise control, steering wheel with ancillary controls, hill holder, keyless entry and start, dual zone climate control (but no rear vents), power-folding mirrors, seven-speaker satnav-equipped touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth and USB and 17-inch alloys. Capped price servicing is steep (at least $249 every 6 months or 10,000km).

The top-spec petrol 2008 sits on 16-inch alloys and has a fixed glass roof with sun blind, auto headlights, cloth trim, dual zone climate control (but no rear vents), six-speaker audio and satnav infotainment with USB and Bluetooth link, rear privacy glass, power windows and heated mirrors. Capped price servicing of between $335 and $570 isn't class-leading either.

Interior space is among the best in the segment, 430L of cargo room (and 1269L seats down). Four adults can get comfy front and rear and the three child seat anchor points are on the backrests, where they belong.

Put a 208 hatch on stilts, add a '0" to the badge and there you have a svelte and stylish little machine and an interior that continues the theme, with usable touchscreen, improved ergonomics and materials. Bootspace is not quite up to the S-Cross but useful at 410L/1400L). Aannoyingly the cargo cover stays put when the boot is opened.

The Hungarian-built S-Cross is all about economy and lighter kerb weight. Its 1.6-litre engine (86kW/156Nm) claims 5.8L/100km and at 1125kg, 110kg less than the smaller SX-4 it replaces, it's one of the lightest in the segment. The CVT auto (with a seven-speed 'manual" mode) is not the best example around yet eked out less than 8.0L on test.

In 1.6-litre petrol guise (88kW/160Nm on 95 RON), the Gallic machine isn't going to startle too many off the line but lithe kerb weight of 1053kg helps. The engine can be hooked up to a five-speed manual or the optional four-speed auto. Claimed thirst is low at 5.9L/100km.

Five stars from NCAP. The lightweight steel body structure is fitted with anti-lock brakes (with stability and traction control), seven airbags, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, xenon headlights with dusk sensors, rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming rear vision mirror.

Five stars carry over from the 208, thanks to stability and traction control, six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear sensors, reversing camera (sadly sporadic on the test example) and auto-dimming rear-vision mirror. Also on the highlights list are the useful one-touch electric rear door and child safety locks on windows but no xenon headlights.

The S-Cross has a well-sorted (for ride, mainly) chassis and does the A-to-B jobs without disturbing occupants unnecessarily. Cabin and cargo space and versatility are all good, as is fuel economy from the lacklustre engine and CVT pairing. Steering is in the same boat but, on shopping trolley duties, most won't care.

The driving position suffers for the lowset steering wheel, close pedals and highset seat. Rear occupants won't want to be tall. Stick to the bitumen, too. The ride-handling compromise is better than some recent efforts from the French brand but the rubbery five-speed gearbox isn't class-leading (but neither is four-speed auto).