by The new Suzuki S-Cross has changed noticeably on the outside and been updated on the inside. But, as before, it remains one of the most affordable crossovers with automatic and all-wheel drive. Is this the same SX4 but updated? Not quite, it is considered the predecessor of the S-Cross, which entered the market in 2021, but has only now reached Ukraine (the reasons for the delay are understandable – our neighbors played a role in this). So let’s start with the exterior. Compared to the SX4, the novelty looks more futuristic and, in my opinion, more Asian than the Europeanized Vitara. One thing can be said for sure – it turned out modern and more monumental compared to its predecessor. But the SX4 profile is quite clearly visible. Inside, the changes are less significant. They are there, but only owners of the previous model will notice them immediately. After all, only the upper part of the dashboard and deflectors have changed in the interior, a new 9-inch display has appeared, and, most importantly, a new multimedia system. Not to say that it is very modern, but for the price category of the car, everything is quite decent. The interface is user-friendly, works quickly, the picture is also decent. The only downside is the camera images. Among the good features – there is a 360-degree view. Is there anything else new? The engine. The new Suzuki S-Cross can only be purchased in Ukraine with one engine option – a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 140 horsepower. There is no atmospheric engine or hybrid setup. Perhaps it is not necessary, because the engine is simply excellent and performs its job excellently. Is it reliable? It has been installed on Suzuki cars for almost 10 years, so it is clearly not ‘raw’ and without childhood illnesses like with newer engines. The 1.4 turbo on the new crossover provides good dynamics (10 seconds). It is responsive over a wide range of engine speeds and reacts quickly to the gas pedal (feels like not 10 to 100 km/h in seconds, but 8-8.5 seconds). What about fuel consumption? According to the manufacturer’s data, 5.2-7.9 liters per 100 km (depending on operating conditions). Personally, I have never achieved less than 6 liters, on average – 8.5-8.7 liters (and sometimes 9+). In my opinion, it is a bit too much, especially in automatic drive mode. Pressing the 4WD button will result in 10-11 liters. But! Isn’t it great that you can even activate it at all? I’m talking about the fact that in modern reality, crossovers are increasingly front-wheel drive only, especially when it comes to all-wheel drive + automatic options. If you look around, besides Suzuki S-Cross and Suzuki Vitara, there are no similar options. What about Duster? There is one, and you can even choose a diesel + automatic, but only with front-wheel drive. If you want all-wheel drive – only manual. And Opel, Citroen, Peugeot, Nissan? You won’t find 4WD and automatic at Suzuki’s price (or even 10-15% more expensive) even if you search with a torch! Moving on to front-wheel drive, here the choice is really wide in terms of price and equipment. But personally, my opinion is – if you are buying an S-Cross, then only with all-wheel drive and automatic. This is an option where both a man and a woman can use it, and you can even plow snow or go on a picnic. By the way, the ground clearance is solid – 180 mm. The only thing to consider – there is quite a long front overhang. By the way, the gearbox and all-wheel drive system (ALLGRIP) are carried over from the previous model. And this is as good as with the engine – no unpleasant surprises. Moreover, this system has proven itself well off-road and in harsh weather conditions. Buying an S-Cross in Ukraine is possible from 842,000 UAH. The cost of the top version (with automatic and all-wheel drive) is almost 1,100,000 UAH.
What is interesting about the new Suzuki S-Cross:
✔ Specific (for me), but modern design
✔ “Sharp” steering wheel (I would even say, too much for such a car)
✔ Energy-efficient and comfortable suspension
✔ Affordable price for the all-wheel drive + automatic version
✔ The interior is quite simple but pleasant, and everything necessary is at hand
✔ Fairly spacious interior (for a compact crossover)
✔ Large trunk (430 liters)
✔ Practicality
What I dislike about the new S-Cross:
❌ Uncomfortable seats (both front and rear)
❌ Uncomfortable gearbox selector (shifts ‘linearly’, so instead of D, you often engage M)
❌ The features list is relatively modest (there are seat heaters, multimedia, cameras, etc., but no blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, etc.)
❌ Average noise insulation
❌ Would like to have a choice of engines (hybrid, atmospheric, diesel)
