The new Suzuki S-Cross small SUV will launch in Australia on September 7, the company has confirmed.
Invites to the media launch went out today confirming the timing, which is broadly in line with what was promised earlier this year. In these times of rampant stock shortages, we’re more used to launches being delayed…
The 2023 S-Cross is more of a heavy facelift than a clean-sheet redesign of the previous model that’s no longer on sale here, though it offers more upright and characterful styling that should broaden its appeal.
As 4300mm long it’s the same dimensionally as the old S-Cross, meaning it remains Suzuki’s largest model (the better-known Vitara is deceptively small at 4175mm long). This means it’s a smidgen shorter than the Mitsubishi ASX, a key competitor alongside the MG ZS.
As with the Vitara, the S-Cross is built in Hungary.
Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine that can be hooked up to an ‘AllGrip’ all-wheel drive system. European versions also come with a 48V mild-hybrid system, but whether this is for Australia will remain unclear for a few weeks yet.
Inside there’s a new 9.0-inch touchscreen display running what looks like a new infotainment system, and there’s a solid suite of driver-assist features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aids, adaptive cruise control, and AEB.
Suzuki sold the previous S-Cross in Australia between 2013 and 2021, and pitched it as a slightly more upmarket alternative to the funkier Vitara. Its predecessor model was the SX4.
Once we know more about specific local pricing, specs and more on Suzuki’s new range-topper, we’ll fill you in.
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