Suzuki S-Cross Reviews

Old and nearly forgotten, the Suzuki S-Cross has struggled to stand out against far fresher and flashier rivals. But, if you're seeking a small yet spacious SUV with effortless performance, unexpected refinement and a practical, functional interior, then the Plus 2WD Turbo deserves a closer look. Yes, the basic structure and cabin are dated, but it's been revised enough to drive like a newer car.

Is it a wagon or an SUV? Technically, it's an SUV but despite the new rugged facelift, the S-Cross doesn't seem 100 per cent convinced which category it fits into, either. After a week driving it with my family of three, I found that it's a neat little package but it doesn't always deliver.

Now in its second facelift, the MY23 S-Cross addresses two previous faults: dated styling and insufficient safety equipment. It also gains all-wheel drive for the first time with the smooth and muscular 1.4-litre turbo engine, adding a further dimension to the Hungarian-built SUV's capabilities. But is the rest of the vehicle good enough to compete against newer rivals?

The Suzuki S-Cross is a bit of a quiet achiever in the Suzuki range, packed as it is with cars that look like they compete with each other. But the S-Cross is a little bit different to the compact SUV crowd and delivers a surprisingly good drive.

Never heard of a Suzuki S-Cross? Well there's a stack of good reasons why you should keep it in mind when you're looking for a small SUV.

The Suzuki S-Cross is loaded full of features in some places, but misses out on some life-saving equipment.

Suzuki was making SUVs way before we could even bring ourselves to call them SUVs. So the Japanese brand knows a thing or two about how to make a good small SUV, and we've tested the latest one.

Richard Blackburn road tests and reviews the 2016 Suzuki S-Cross Turbo with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The crossover hatch is practical and compact, though the exterior styling can be a compromise. James Stanford appraises a safe and spacious pair.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?What is it?This is Suzuki’s top of the line compact SUV, a replacement for the sedan-based predecessor.Unfortunately it has Suzuki’s new droopy nose corporate styling. Yuk.How much?The GLX Prestige is $36,990 drive away but you can get into a base S-Cross for as little as $22,990 drive away.What are competitors?Heaps of them including Skoda Yeti, SsangYong Korando, Subaru XV, Nissan Qashqai, Mitsubishi ASX, Ford EcoSport, Holden Trax and Hyundai iX35 to name a few.What's under the bonnet?A tenacious 1.6-litre four banger with variable cam timing and friction reduction technology along with reciprocating mass reduction to help it push the relatively large and weighty S-Cross.How does it go?In this form, with seven-speed paddle shift CVT transmission not that bad. It is no performance machine, but goes about its business unobtrusively and efficiently.Don’t expect too much with a full compliment of five on board, some luggage and the air-con blasting.Is it economical?Yes, very. We actually saw the claimed combined average of 5.8L/100km on regular unleaded. It’s right up there with the competition on this score.Is it green?Not rated.Is it safe?Five stars. Is it comfortable?It's not what you’d call luxurious by any stretch, but with plenty of kit to keep you comfy, amused and engaged it's OK.There's cruise control, pollen filter, keyless start, dual zone climate, 6.1-inch screen premium audio, satnav, Bluetooth audio and phone, rain sensing wipers and auto headlights.  What's it like to drive?Not inspiring but not bad either, it’s a middle of the road thing. Capable as a family runabout, OK on the freeway, useful for weekend warrior stuff. It has steering, brakes, suspension, doors, a sunroof and other things - get the picture? Is it value for money?Against the competition the S-Cross is pretty good - not best in class and it’s not that prettiest, but Suzuki have an enviable reputation for reliability and frugal running costs which counts for a lot these days.