In pre-politically correct times ‘The man in the street’ was a term used to describe the ordinary male (person). In 2006 I was in Japan watching early SX4 vehicles roll off the assembly lines at Suzuki’s Hamamatsu plant, noting its bland physical characteristics.
This MITS manner was reinforced on an extended drive of the small sports utility vehicle on the company’s test track, with its performance providing an uninspiring driving experience.
Little has changed over the years, with the SX4 generally flying under the automotive radar, while its siblings – Jimny, Swift and Vitara – led the way in design and innovation. The latest S-Cross could be about to change the order of things.
The second generation SX4 in 2013 took on the S-Cross suffix and an optional all-wheel drive system named AllGrip. It has four selectable driving modes – Normal, Sport, Snow and Lock.
Following a facelift in 2016, the third generation first saw the light of day in 2021, and has now been given a makeover for the model year 2023, in the form of a freshened cabin and restyled exterior, plus new technology.
The 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine stays pretty much the same but now puts its power to ground through a new AllGrip all-wheel drive system. There is a price to pay – $40,490, plus on-road costs, $10,000 more than the base figure. A Prestige model, with even more goodies, tips the scales at $44,490. I enjoyed time with the latter.
Like all present-day Suzuki cars, the S-Cross is covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five-year capped-price service scheme, the latter at 12 months or 10,000-kilometre intervals.
STYLING
Updated S-Cross styling retains the somewhat angular look of days gone by, while most modern rivals show off slick coupe-like looks. Included here are a new front and back, doors, bumpers and lighting.
Up front the two-storey grille is dominated by the stylised Suzuki ‘S’ and leaves oncoming drivers in no doubt as to the car’s pedigree. A sleeker bonnet, black diamond lattice grille and redesigned automatic LED headlights have the SUV standing tall, while square wheel arches wrapping polished alloy and silver highlights on the bumpers make for a more robust profile than before.
INTERIOR
Quality leather appointments are not enough to detract from the firmness of the seats. Little lateral support is forthcoming too. On the upside, the steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach.
Behind the wheel is an instrument cluster comprising two analogue gauges with a digital trip computer between, which includes a speedo. Dual-zone climate control adjustment is within easy reach.
The S-Cross AllGrip is the same dimensions as its predecessor, which is enough to keep an average build adult in some comfort, especially in the rear.
The boot opens up to an expansive 430 litres with the seat backs up, extending to a voluminous 1230 litres with seat backs folded. Hardwearing fabric material covers the deck and extends up the walls. There’s also an underfloor boot-wide compartment
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Lift the bonnet. There’s nothing (new) to see here. Those familiar with the previous model will recognise the engine, a 1.4 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor producing 103 kW and 220 Nm, mated with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, now taking in the new Suzuki all-wheel drive system, AllGrip.
DRIVING
The featherweight BoosterJet engine has a spring in its step, with plenty of low-down torque and a well-matched torque-converter auto. Plastic paddle shifts are best ignored.
However, the spicy motor and well-sorted ride and handling package were good enough to throw the S-Cross assuredly around on corners, while feather-light steering pointed the nose in the desired direction and slow-speed parking in tight spots was low on trepidation.
A claimed combined urban/ highway fuel consumption figure of 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres translated in test car terms to 8 litres per 100 kilometres in city traffic and 5 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road. Not too much of a financial burden on the recommended 95 RON juice.
Getting to grips with a wide range of conditions under foot, the car’s multi-mode all-wheel-drive system offers Normal, Sport, Snow and Lock stages, running predominantly from the front wheels in Normal to 66:33 split in Snow.
SUMMARY
The S-Cross is far from my favourite Suzuki, with the aforementioned Jimny, Swift and Vitara, atop the podium positions. However, with the spritely performance of the latest generation, the S-Cross is making a gallant effort to grab the attention of people like me. It’s beginning to work.
