Presentation and test drive of the 2016 Suzuki S-Cross

Diego G. Moreira 17 September 2016 6 min.

Presentation and test drive of the 2016 Suzuki S-Cross

The Japanese brand Suzuki continues its relentless renewal of the entire range. A few months ago it was the turn of the new Suzuki Baleno, and now it is the Suzuki S-Cross‘s turn. This SUV was born in 2006 under the name Suzuki SX4, a compact with outstanding 4×4 capabilities that nevertheless enjoyed modest sales. With the generational change it also failed to carve out a significant place in the SUV market under the name SX4 S-Cross. In this new generation the Japanese manufacturer has improved the exterior design to give it the crossover look that the previous generations lacked. The design is complemented by a renewed engine range, with the interesting Boosterjet petrol engines, as well as changes to achieve better steering feel.

We were able to drive the new Suzuki S-Cross for about 100 km on roads in the Sierra de Madrid, testing the 1.0 Boosterjet petrol of 110 CV and the 1.4 Boosterjet of 140 CV, and the first impressions have been very positive, especially with the entry-level petrol engine.

Exterior and interior design: More SUV than ever

In Spain SUVs continue to triumph in sales, though in their 4×2 versions and preferably with rather small engines. That said, design is what matters most: if it doesn’t look like an off-roader, if it isn’t a robust, tall car, it doesn’t sell. It seems Suzuki has learned this lesson very well and has now applied it fully to the new S-Cross, a car that until now was perceived as a saloon and is now endowed with elements that provide more ruggedness, height and an SUV look.

The changes are most noticeable at the front: the new large grille does not go unnoticed (it is part of the new rugged look), the bumper is more aggressive in this new generation, and new front headlights also appear, featuring LED technology for all lighting functions. Ground clearance has been slightly increased (1.5 cm) and the tyres are wider and have a higher profile compared with the previous generation (205/50 R17 → 215/55 R17), and new alloy wheels are fitted.

At the rear the changes are much smaller and focus on the headlights with LED technology. The colour range is also new, as there are nine shades available for the S-Cross in total, some very eye-catching such as “Canyon Brown” (our test unit) or “Energetic Red“.

The changes to the interior are rather limited; they amount to new soft-touch materials in the central part of the dashboard and improved fittings, providing a greater sense of quality. Hard plastics remain on the dashboard, but the improvement in quality and in the appearance of the new design is noticeable. What does not change is the interior space, as the car’s dimensions remain unchanged from the previous generation, with plenty of room both in the front and rear seats.

Engine range: new Boosterjet powertrains and new transmissions

In the engine range the most important novelty is the incorporation of the Boosterjet engines into the S-Cross, replacing the veteran 1.6. The petrol range is therefore now represented by two engines: 1.0 Boosterjet of 110 CV -three-cylinder-, and the 1.4 Boosterjet of 140 CV -four-cylinder-. The only diesel engine remains the 1.6D of 120 CV and Fiat origin, which has also been updated, reducing consumption and emissions.

The Suzuki S-Cross is available with a six-speed manual gearbox (five-speed in the case of the 110 CV petrol) or a six-speed automatic gearbox. As a novelty, the diesel engine can also be paired with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The S-Cross is available with all-wheel drive associated with the 140 CV petrol and 120 CV diesel engines.

At the wheel of the 1.0 Boosterjet of 110 CV: an entry-level engine that is more than worthy

The version we were able to test for the longest, over 60 km through the Sierra de Madrid, was the Suzuki S-Cross with the entry-level petrol engine, a small three-cylinder with just 1 litre of displacement producing 110 CV. In the first kilometres we noticed that, despite being a three-cylinder, vibration and noise were extremely low; the engine was barely audible and it was even relatively smooth to drive.

As the route progressed and we reached the motorway, the good soundproofing of the cabin was especially noticeable, with a high level of comfort at cruising speed. The 1.0 Boosterjet has no trouble overtaking, nor does it fear overtaking manoeuvres, responding quite well. Consumption was also favourable: on our route through the Sierra (roads with a 90 km/h limit) average consumption was 5.6 litres per 100 km, a good figure without any doubt.

The steering has been improved, seeking greater comfort, although it is not very communicative, and the suspension has also been improved, maintaining a correct balance between comfort and firmness. We also made a brief foray onto a dirt track to try the all-wheel drive system, although, as is logical for an SUV, the route was not particularly demanding enough to truly test the capabilities of the Suzuki S-Cross off the asphalt.

On the return journey to Madrid we took the wheel of the Suzuki S-Cross with the 1.4 Boosterjet petrol engine of 140 CV, a powertrain that stands out for its good response and even gives this S-Cross a sporty touch.

Equipment and prices of the 2016 Suzuki S-Cross

There are three equipment levels: GL, GLE and GLX. Already from the GL trim it includes air conditioning, radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, chrome grille, start&stop and hill start assist, among other elements. However, the most balanced trim level is undoubtedly the GLE, which adds two-zone climate control, LED headlights for all lighting functions, a 7″ touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, rear-view camera, among other elements. Finally, the GLX trim adds features such as predictive brake control (RBS), adaptive cruise control and a warning light for emergency braking, among other elements.

Once all discounts are added up (brand discount plus financing), the Suzuki S-Cross with the 110 CV petrol engine and GL trim is available from 15,435 euros (an attractive starting price), while the GLE version is available from 17,335 euros, also with the 110 CV petrol engine and a comprehensive equipment list (full LED headlights, climate control, 7-inch touchscreen with rear-view camera, heated seats…). The diesel range starts at 19,335 euros (with the GLE version equipment). The remaining prices: