S-Cross is a tough crossover
A LOT of two-wheel-drive cars with a little raised ride height would take a stony green lane near my home until about half way up the hill.
Then they would be scrabbling for grip as the incline increases and the ruts get deeper and deeper.
But the Suzuki S-Cross just went straight up without a murmur and took the ruts, huge potholes and loose stone surface completely in its stride.
Of course, the SZ5 model I drove from the top of the range came with Suzuki’s Allgrip four-wheel drive (4WD) which helps and, even though it had a petrol engine and an automatic gearbox, it still averaged over 38mpg.
The 4x4 system drives the front wheels most of the time, bringing the rears into play automatically when needed, but it also has a lock for the centre differential, to give maximum traction when the going gets really tough.
The car was powered by the company’s 1.4 Boosterjet turbo engine with 140bhp, driving through a new six-speed automatic gearbox, which has replaced the previous CVT and is a good improvement.
The engine is smooth, responsive, free revving, quiet and it helps give the car a lovely feel on the road.
Where it scores over most of the opposition is in the excellent level of comfort. It takes all the potholes and speed humps in town very easily and simply rolls over rough surfaces out in the country as if they’re not there.
Inside, the heated seats are comfortable and supportive and along with other cars in the Suzuki range, the level of standard equipment leaves very little to add.
It’s a small 4x4 with good on-road manners and very good off-road capability that will never let you down in the winter and is good enough for some serious off-road work too.
The Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet SZ5 I drove costs £25,000.