Suzuki Australia has launched a reskinned version of the S-Cross small SUV, which becomes its new flagship offering above the Vitara.
The comprehensive update – more like a full model change, really – brings with it a more conventionally attractive design, better infotainment, and the company’s AllGrip all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
The outgoing S-Cross was front-wheel drive (FWD) only, whereas this one launches with AllGrip as standard – though the company hopes to offer cheaper FWD models once supply constraints relent.
The S-Cross competes against rivals such as the MG ZST, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross, Haval Jolion, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru XV, and Honda HR-V among myriad others. There’s also the about-to-launch Toyota Corolla Cross to consider.
Like the Vitara, the Suzuki S-Cross is built in Hungary rather than Japan.
Pricing
The AWD-only Suzuki S-Cross is substantially more expensive than its FWD-only predecessor, which cost between $30,490 and $31,990 before on-road costs depending on grade.
This model costs $40,490 before on-road costs for the entry S-Cross, and $44,490 for the S-Cross Prestige.
That’s up by between $10,000 and $12,500.
2023 Suzuki S-Cross pricing
- S-Cross AllGrip: $40,490
- S-Cross AllGrip Prestige: $44,490
Before on-road costs
Drivetrains
The drivetrain carries over unchanged: it’s a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with power and torque outputs of 103kW and 220Nm respectively.
It runs through a variable AWD system with an available 50:50 locking mode, but which preferences the front tyres on tarmac.
The transmission is a six-speed torque-converter automatic.
Efficiency
Suzuki quotes a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.2 litres per 100km, equating to emissions of 145g/km. 95 RON is recommended.
Dimensions
The S-Cross is the same size as the old one and uses the same wheelbase, even though looks can be deceiving.
That makes it 4305mm long, 1785mm wide, 1585mm tall, and 2600mm between the wheels. That makes it a smidgen smaller than a Kia Seltos or Mitsubishi ASX.
Boot capacity is 430 litres, expanding to a maximum 1230L with the back seats down.
Servicing and warranty
Suzuki backs the S-Cross with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assist and capped-price servicing.
Advertised service prices are $329 for the first, third and fifth services, $429 for the second, and $529 for the fourth. Intervals are annual or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Six airbags
- ISOFIX x 2, top tethers x 3
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
Standard equipment
The entry S-Cross has:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Daytime running lights
- Front fog lights
- Rear privacy glass
- Keyless entry and start
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Roof rails
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation
- Wired Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Digital radio
- Dual-zone climate control
- Manually adjustable fabric seats
S-Cross Prestige adds
- 17-inch polished alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- 9.0-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Surround-view camera
- Leather seat accents
Colours
- Cool White Pearl
- Energetic Red Metallic
- Silky Silver Metallic
- Cosmic Black Metallic
- Titan Dark Grey Metallic
- Sphere Blue Metallic
