New Power and Enhanced Equipment Levels for Facelifted Suzuki S-Cross

The well equipped and versatile Suzuki S-Cross has moved further up-market with the arrival of the new facelifted range.

Not only has the five-door crossover hatchback been accorded styling changes but the model is now offered with a choice of two engine options, including the latest generation Boosterjet power unit with vigorous turbocharged performance.

Bolder, more dynamic front end styling gives the 2017 S-Cross stronger road presence while mechanical revisions improve both performance and efficiency. Standard specification upgrades also make the Suzuki even better value for money.

Stronger road presence led by an iconic chrome and black slotted grille design and newly designed headlights are just the start of a revitalised S-Cross. Under the skin changes are obviously less noticeable until the driver takes to the road.

In the shift to more comprehensively equipped cars as favoured by New Zealand buyers, the entry-level GLX grade is gone, and the revised lineup comprises LTD and flagship Prestige models.

Remarkably, the new LTD automatic is priced at $29,990 plus on-road costs, the same as the outgoing GLX. Powered by the 1,586cm3 M16A, 16-valve engine producing 88 kW, the LTD is additionally available with the selectable four mode ALLGRIP iAWD (intelligent all wheel drive), also with automatic transmission ($33,990 plus on-road costs).

The Prestige is only offered in two-wheel-drive and automatic form and carries a recommended retail price of $33,990 plus on-road costs. A new, smooth shifting 6-speed automatic is fitted to both LTD and Prestige, replacing the CVT transmission used previously. Convenient steering column paddles allow manual overriding of the automatic.

Suzuki’s latest generation K14C turbocharged engine powers the S-Cross Prestige, offering impressive performance. Already gaining a reputation for quietness, lack of vibration and responsiveness, this is the same 1,372cm3 Boosterjet motor as fitted to the latest Vitara Turbo. Both engines have chain driven twin overhead camshafts.

It produces 103 kW of power at 5,500 rpm, a 19 percent increase over the normally aspirated 1.6 litre LTD and at idle engine noise is barely perceptible. Underscoring the solid performance, the Prestige has the best power to weight ratio in its class.

The Boosterjet achieves a strong 220 Nm of torque at 1,500-4,000 rpm, 41 percent higher than the 1.6 power train in the LTD which produces 156 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The combined fuel consumption rating of 5.9 litres/100 km for the Prestige is slightly more frugal than the LTD. Both models are more fuel efficient than rival models in the same class.

Independent testing of the Prestige automatic on New Zealand highways, travelling where possible at the open road speed limit, resulted in fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km (58.8 miles per gallon). At the same time, the Boosterjet turbo engine proved exceptionally quiet and refined, while giving spirited performance.

Weighing 1,160 kg unladen and trimmer than most competitors, the S-Cross is something of a featherweight, and the car feels light and agile on its feet, with accurate steering, good stability and a comfortable ride. Following European testing for improved handling, the Suzuki also has a better ride and benefits from revisions to the suspension, including changes to damper settings. As before, the S-Cross has McPherson strut front suspension, and torsion beams at the rear.

In addition to the new grille, the latest S-Cross features a whole new front end with clamshell bonnet, steep nose and aggressive air intake. Ground clearance increases by 10mm and overall height is slightly higher. There are revamped tail-lights and new 17-inch diameter aluminium alloy wheel designs, with silver finish on LTD and black with polished spokes on Prestige.

Both LTD and Prestige come as standard with fog lamps, integrated roof rails, electrical folding door mirrors, silver sill plates, tilt and telescopic steering and two-position rear seat adjustment. They each boast keyless entry and push button start, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, leather steering wheel, sun visors with illumination, front adjustable armrest and rear armrest and bottle holder.

Thanks to a two position backrest for the rear seats, load capacity increases by 10 litres to 440 litres. The boot includes a false floor for hiding valuables with the spare wheel located under that.

Multi-mode 7 inch screen display for smart phone connectivity, Bluetooth, Apple Car Play, satellite navigation and reversing camera with gridlines are standard on both models. There are seven air bags, including driver’s knee, and hill-hold assist function on automatics. Accorded a top five star ANCAP safety rating, the S-Cross comes with EBD, braking override system and an ESP control system.

Prestige gains leather upholstery, automatic wipers and headlights, LED automatic leveling lights and rear parking sensors. The five colours offered are white, silver, bronze, red and blue.

“Internationally the new S-Cross has been applauded for its impressive ergonomics, equipment levels and decent chassis,” said Gary Collins, General Manager of Marketing for Suzuki New Zealand. “Journalists like the tougher crossover looks and refreshing honesty of the S-Cross. It’s an unpretentious, practical car that is both comfortable and competent; with wider appeal now the Boosterjet engine is available.”

He said in the smaller SUV category customers expected the highest level of features and the S-Class reflected this by fitting key items such as sat-nav, Apply CarPlay and keyless start.

The S-Cross achieves a remarkable combination of styling, utility, safety, performance and fuel economy. “It is a vehicle that offers great driving enjoyment and versatile family usage to many more people in a wide range of situations, and the pricing is truly competitive,” said Collins.

As one of Suzuki’s world strategic models, the S-Cross combines compact car experience with technologies honed for sport utility vehicles.

For example, a large proportion of high-tensile steel is employed for strength and lightness with stiff mountings for the front struts and suspension frame to provide better handling stability. Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology or TECT, comprises a body structure that absorbs and disperses energy in the event of a collision. The car’s highly rigid body is fundamental to good handling, comfort, safety and reduced “noise, vibration, harshness” (NVH).

Good aerodynamics were sought in designing the S-Cross with the smooth roof line from the windscreen to the rear of the body improving airflow. Under the car, front strakes, an engine undercover and floor covers also optimise airflow and further efficiencies were realised by reshaping components including the underside of the exhaust system.

The S-Cross LTD goes on local sale immediately while due to high international demand for the Boosterjet engine the Prestige turbo will not be available until March.