Suzuki S-cross enhanced

Turbo engine addition plus styling updates lift the S-cross. Cathy Parker explains.

Suzuki’s crossover S-cross has received a dramatic front end makeover that improves its presence, but the big news is the addition of the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine to the S-cross Prestige. This is the same engine fitted to the turbo Vitara model and delivers 103kw of power, 19 percent more than the standard 1.6 engine and 220 Nm of torque a staggering 41 percent increase. Unexpectedly it also manages to use less fuel, with a combined rating of 5.9 l/100km vs 6.0 l/100km for the LTD 2WD. All models have a six-speed automatic gearbox, with the Prestige dropping its previous CVT arrangement. To match the markets demand for higher trim levels the previous entry level GLX model has been dropped, with LTD (2WD and AWD) and Prestige (2WD only) models, the LTD 2WD matches the outgoing GLX’S price at $29,990, with the AWD adding $4000 at $33,990, a price shared by the 2WD only Prestige. Both LTD and Prestige come with fog lamps, integrated roof rails, electrical folding door mirrors, keyless entry and push button start, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and leather steering wheel. They feature a multi-mode seven-inch screen display for smart phone connectivity, Apple Car Play, satellite navigation and reversing camera. For safety there are seven air bags, hill hold, EBD, braking override system and an ESP control system. The Prestige gains leather upholstery, automatic wipers and headlights, LED automatic levelling lights and rear parking sensors.