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Full-on SX with cross-dressing Suzuki
- ROAD TEST – SUZUKI SX4 S-CROSS
A WEEK barely goes by without another 4×4, SUV or crossover model hitting the streets, often accompanied by some ‘best in class’ bluster.
Japanese brand Suzuki knows a bit about off-roaders; in fact if you need an outboard marine engine, a motorbike or even a wheelchair they can sort that bit too.
But they have never produced a crossover. Well, not until now, and new arrival the SX4 S-Cross is down to the company’s ‘think bigger’ philosophy.
Suzuki says it created the S-Cross – the clue’s in the name – by combining its compact car know-how with technologies honed for sports utility vehicles.
Whichever way you look at it there’s a touch of class to this latest Suzy, as well as a passing resemblance to a proven giant of the crossover scene – the Nissan Qashqai.
Priced from a competitive £14,999 for a 1.6-litre petrol model with manual transmission in entry grade SZ3 trim, the S-Cross comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or the new ALLGRIP four-wheel drive, though the 4WD variants cost appreciably more.
Attractive looks apart, the Suzuki has plenty to recommend it. From an airy interior with ample head and legroom for three adults across the back to the large boot with double floor, there’s plenty of flexibility on offer.
Those in a position to pay a bit more may find the tested SZ5, complete with what Suzuki says is the world’s first double sliding panoramic roof, extremely desirable.
It is the first SUV from the brand to include the ALLGRIP set-up, which is operated via a rotary drive mode dial on the centre console.
This can be locked for maximum grip or switched from the auto setting to either a snow/mud setting or into Sport mode for a sharper driving experience.
It certainly feels like there’s a fair bit of punch from the 120PS diesel engine, even if the acceleration figures suggest otherwise, and the car cruises effortlessly on the motorway.
The manual transmission felt sticky at times though and my own average fuel consumption of 48.4mpg was way down on the official 64.2mpg figure.
That said, the S-Cross is a well thought out family car with all models including seven airbags, daytime running lights, ESP and tyre pressure monitoring.
You also get cruise control, electric windows, heated door mirrors, air-con, USB socket and 16-inch alloys.
- SPEC CHECK
- MAKE Suzuki.
- MODEL S-CROSS 1.6 DDiS ALLGRIP SZ5.
- ENGINE 1,598cc, diesel.
- POWER 120PS at 3,750 rpm.
- PERFORMANCE 0-62 in 13.0 secs, top speed 108mph.
- ECONOMY 54.3mpg Urban, 72.4 Extra Urban, 64.2 Combined.
- CO2 EMISSIONS 114g/km.
- BiK RATING 17%
- INSURANCE Group 19 (1-50)
- PRICE £23,549 on the road.
WHAT’S HOT
- Space, comfort, economy, kit.
- WHAT’S NOT
- Sticky gearshift.
- RATINGS {rating}
- LOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
- EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
- RIDE AND HANDLING . . . . . 4
- PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . 4
- VALUE FOR MONEY . . . . . . . 5