MOTORING JUNE: Suzuki S-Cross Ultra Mild Hybrid

Typically Japanese; incredibly modest, but with lots to shout about.

The humble S-Cross has been on sale for several years now, but with the likes of Kia and Hyundai taking the crown for crossovers, Suzuki seem to have been beaten to the post. However, the new S-Cross Hybrid All Grip is typically Japanese; incredibly modest, but with lots to shout about.

Historically, Suzuki have given us reasonably small cars, notably the Swift, Jimny and especially the little Cappuccino. Despite being branded as an SUV, the S-Cross is admirably proportioned. At 4.3 metres long and 1.7 metres wide, will easily accommodate British parking spaces as well as the family. At the front, we have a raised bonnet line, sporting a piano black front end with highly positioned LED headlamps portraying a high centre of gravity. Moving upwards and back, a pair of roof bars elegantly slide into the integrated boot spoiler, less boy racer and more sophisticated. Furthermore, from the side very clean lines, only spoilt by plastic trims on the wheel arches which hint at the S-Cross’ 4x4 capabilities.

This Ultra model sits on 17-inch polished alloy wheels which sound small, but we must remember that this is not another huge SUV. Should this vehicle feel large to you though, there is a 360-degree camera system for that extra helping hand.

A comfortable and accommodating interior greets you inside.

This example has half leather and cloth seats which are extremely comfortable and encourage good posture. Both front seats are heated, and are manually adjustable which does not sound great, but in the real world is more practical than electronic adjustment. The centre console sits vertically and is covered in a combination of scratchy plastics and leather, but generally has an open and clutter free design. A 9-inch infotainment screen is on hand for your satellite navigation, radio settings and display for the reversing camera.

This system is much improved on the one that is fitted to other current Suzukis such as the Swift or Ignis. The instrument cluster is rather deep, so the dials are only at the disposal of the driver. Moreover, twin analogue dials for the engine and road speed, but with a central LCD screen displaying further vehicle information and drive modes. You get a narrow centre console housing the gear selector, manual handbrake and 4-wheel drive settings.

The slim gearbox tunnel is a bit loose and wobbles around a bit but does give the driver and passenger more room in the cabin. Space is plentiful in the rear which has been achieved with highly mounted rear seats resulting in more leg room and an upright seating position.

A real winner in my books is the panoramic roof, which like on most cars, is full length. However, in this application, the sunroof opens wide up-to 1.6 metres giving the rear occupants the benefits also. 430 litres of boot space are on hand, but has no underfloor storage as a result of the hybrid gubbins going on. Although, the boot lip is at waist height so has been well designed for loading heavy objects.

The S-Cross shares its 1.5-litre engine with the Vitara, but with this version being all wheel drive and a hybrid, it weighs in just under 1.4 tonnes. Not bad considering its size, but something has to give somewhere. The extra weight only really impacts the brakes and despite boasting dual sensor brake support and a 5-star EURO NCAP rating, you wouldn’t want to lean on the brakes in an emergency.

Performance wise this is no speed demon, it is just enough. Combined with the 140V battery system the S-Cross has just 114bhp, but thanks to electricity there is always plenty of torque on hand. The driving position is fair, with plenty of adjustment should you need it. Something to note and get used to is the AGS, a manual gearbox with an automatic change. Now, this does provide the driver with paddles and a more involved driving experience but is a bit odd in application. You can drive the S-Cross as a conventional automatic, however when you come to a steep junction, you need to use the handbrake to avoid burning the clutch out as the car will not creep as it is not an automatic. Once you get used to this, and the fact that the gear change is slower than you would like, it is agreeable.

Rear beam suspension accompanied by front MacPherson struts give plenty of rigidity for harsher road conditions and provides a compliant ride for general cruising. You get control of 4x4 modes in snow, eco or sport modes respectively. In sport mode, you can feel the car making use of both axles and the hybrid technology. Unfortunately, the system does not inspire for dedicated off road use.

Yes, it is okay. This is very much a middle of the road vehicle, but I say that with a lot of respect. You would be happy to use one every day and you could afford to as well; the road tax is cheaper than any other car in this class. The hybrid system charges on the move, so you will not experience any range anxiety. Plenty of cupholders and deep door bins, great for storage. The little petrol engine is a bit noisy, some more sound proofing would be welcome, but thanks to its small wheels and petite design, for an SUV, there is very little road noise.

The George Loveridge Verdict:

Overall, you get a competitively priced SUV that is the size of a cross over but has hybrid and 4x4 capabilities. If you opt for this Ultra model, top of the range, you break the £30,000 mark, but should you be able to settle for something with less toys and capabilities, you can have a sub £30,000 SUV for the same price as most European hatchbacks. Fair play Suzuki!  

Price as tested: £31,549
Lead in price: £26,749
Average fuel consumption: 54.3mpg
Range (fuel): 550 miles
Engine size: 1462cc

0-60: 13.1 seconds
Performance 6
Handling 6
Transmission 7
Noise 8
Economy 9
Ride and Comfort 8
Accommodation 9
Styling 6
Brakes 6
Finish 8
TOTAL =73 %
©Driving Around for Travel News Update

https://cars.suzuki.co.uk/new-cars/s-cross/ultra

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