New Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid is Ready For Any Challenge.
New Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid is Ready For Any Challenge.
The new Suzuki S-Cross SUV takes advantage of Suzuki’s long-established expertise in packaging vehicles above their class with flexibility, an even higher level of safety equipment, and the latest technology to meet the diverse needs of both driver and passengers.
Smooth Flowing Lines.
The S-Cross expresses Suzuki’s SUV styling heritage, and the new model makes a strong statement with its bold and muscular design that enhances its presence with large and angular wheel arches, and smooth flowing lines. The front-end design incorporates a raised bonnet line, piano black front grille and new LED headlamps that help portray a high centre of gravity. This theme continues at the rear with large combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish to emphasise a sense of width, in addition to roof rails and integrated rear spoiler. The striking exterior design is complemented by a spacious and versatile interior, along with a high level of safety specification as standard.
Petrol/Electric Hybrid.
The new S-Cross Full Hybrid replaces the automatic version of the 1.4-litre Boosterjet model that was launched at the end of 2021, but the existing 1.4-litre Boosterjet model with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology continues as a six-speed manual. The S-Cross Full Hybrid features a 1.5-litre petrol engine along with a 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, a Motor Generator Unit (MGU), and a 12V lithium-ion battery, along with a conventional 12V lead-acid battery, to power components requiring lower voltage such as lights, instruments and heating or ventilation. The S-Cross Full Hybrid comes with Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift (ASG) as standard, and this enables the driver to enjoy both the direct driving experience of a manual gearbox and the shifting ease of an automatic transmission. The full Hybrid system has two switchable modes which are Eco and Standard. One switch enables the driver to change between the two modes depending on conditions and also increases the frequency of EV driving. In Standard mode operation, the MGU more frequently assists the petrol engine to allow more spirited driving enjoyment.
Suzuki Connect App.
By connecting the vehicle via the Suzuki Connect app, available on Android and iOS, users can access a wide range of convenient connected services, including the ability to monitor and receive notifications about the status of their vehicle in real time, remotely lock the vehicle, and view information such as driving history and the location of their parked car. Users can also choose to receive maintenance-related information and warning light notifications via the Suzuki Connect app, and if an issue is detected, vital diagnostic information can be seamlessly shared with their registered Suzuki dealer, allowing for faster and more comprehensive after-sales support.
Test Car.
My test car was a new Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid in ‘Motion’ trim, which looked alluring in its Cosmic Black pearlescent paintwork. With its combination of a high bonnet line, chrome exterior trim, aluminium roof rails, and bold front grille, the new S-Cross certainly is a handsome car from every angle. Key standard equipment in Motion specification includes seven airbags, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, three signature LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, keyless entry & start, dual-zone auto air-conditioning, heated front seats, and front & rear parking sensors. The relatively compact dimensions of the S-Cross make it easy to manoeuvre in and out of tight parking spaces, while light steering and a nimble chassis provide the car with terrific agility. Superior rigidity and ride comfort are provided by way of a rear suspension with a beam design – a closed section consisting of a pipe that is modified to form a ‘U’ shape. The spring rate of the coil springs, as well as damper tuning, have also been optimised during development to further improve handling, stability and overall driving dynamics. Ventilated disc brakes at the front of the new S-Cross, and solid disc brakes at the rear provide superior braking performance at all times. Lane changing at speeds above 16km/h is made safer with the standard Blind Spot Monitor function. The system has two rear-mounted side radar sensors that are capable of detecting vehicles located in, or approaching, the rear blind spots on either side of the vehicle. This potentially life-saving system illuminates an LED warning icon in the relevant exterior mirror when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, and if the driver ignores it and indicates to change lanes, a flashing LED icon is accompanied by a warning sound alert. With 115PS (113bhp) and 138Nm of torque on offer, the S-Cross Full Hybrid can complete a 0-100km/h sprint in 12.7-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 175km/h (where permitted). Fuel consumption as low as 5.2l/100km is possible on a WLTP combined driving cycle, with annual road tax costing just €190.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
The new Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid is a very likeable and commendable SUV in every respect. It performs every task asked of it in a confident and capable manner, it comes very well equipped, and is practical and versatile too. Spirited performance, excellent fuel economy, and a strong torque output should be enough to satisfy even the most demanding of drivers in the mid-size full-hybrid SUV market segment. The new S-Cross Full Hybrid ‘Motion’ is priced at just €32,495 with optional metallic/pearlescent paint priced at a very reasonable €375. A 3-year/100,000km warranty comes as standard, along with roadside assistance for complete peace of mind motoring.
Visit www.suzuki.ie for further information.
