Suzuki’s line-up is packed with quiet achievers. The Jimny is of course a strong seller worldwide with months and months of waiting lists, but the Swift, Ignis, and Vitara are also competitive fighters in their respective classes.
Less so, at least from a bystanders viewpoint, is the S-Cross. Fitting in a slightly awkward, slightly niche role between the Baleno and the Vitara, the S-Cross is a comparatively rare sight on our roads.
That could maybe change soon, however, with Suzuki unveiling a new one overnight; one that surrenders to a range of crossover tropes.
The new S-Cross looks significantly more chunky and rugged than the last. The chrome grille is gone; replaced by a large black ensemble, which complements the more comprehensive cladding around each wheel arch.
Despite having more SUV-like proportions than the hatch-inspired outgoing S-Cross, this new one is actually the same size; its dimensions being identical in width, height, and wheelbase as the outgoing model (prompting speculation that this isn’t all-new, but rather an update on the existing platform).
Suzuki does at least claim that the model has more room inside, however. But more on that later.
There’s no plug-in variants, not at launch at least. Instead Suzuki has given the S-Cross a 48-volt mild-hybrid 1.4-litre four, the same engine as it debuted in the Swift a few years ago. It produces 95kW of power and 235Nm of torque, and is available with either front-wheel drive or AllGrip all-wheel drive.
While a lot of the cabin is familiar to the eye (come on Suzuki, replace that steering wheel already), most of the dashboard layout is brand new. The gloss-black centre stack is topped by a new nine-inch touchscreen, although base models make do with a seven-inch unit.
It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but bigger news still is that it appears to have an all-new infotainment interface relative to the system in current models, which many have long viewed as being relatively outdated in its presentation. A welcome addition then.
Its safety suite has been given some attention, too, with autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and more included in the package.
Overseas the S-Cross can be had with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and other toys. But it’s worth noting that local spec has yet to be confirmed.
Expect the new S-Cross to land locally next year, although when exactly that will be is yet to be confirmed.
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