Driving report: Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 DDIS 4 × 4 Comfort +

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross - a crossover for the whole family

The combination of a four-wheel drive small car with a generous amount of space allowed Suzuki to design a crossover, which the Japanese manufacturer is presenting as the SX4 S-Cross. Another requirement of the engineers from Nippon was to produce a vehicle that could be used by the whole family and was still affordable.

The striking crossover design of the SX4 S-Cross exudes very well the conceptual advantages of an all-rounder. Nevertheless, in addition to the design, the SX4 S-Cross also offers comfort and useful technologies. The vehicle's price list starts at 19.490 Euro.

A compact one grows up

The story of the SX4 tells how a compact car can grow and even change the segment. It is this SX4 that 2006 launched in Germany as the successor to the Liana and the compact SUV Ignis. After a few changes, the SX4 S-Cross was created as a crossover. The connection of a limousine and an off-road vehicle.

High quality materials were used in the interior. Hard plastic was largely avoided here and so the SX4 S-Cross also looks very valuable on the inside. All instruments such as on-board computer data, tachometer, speedometer and the navigation device are within a careful viewing angle of the driver. Thanks to the wheelbase, which has grown significantly by 4 mm to 100 mm compared to the SX2.600 Classic, there is comfortably room for five people, including in the rear. However, the seat cheeks could offer a little more lateral support. The incline of the seat can hardly be changed either.

The interior is visually enlarged

The innovative panoramic glass sliding roof, which is standard in the highest Comfort + equipment line, makes the SX4 S-Cross appear even larger and brings a certain feeling of well-being. It extends over 1,00 m and therefore not only offers a clear view not only to the driver and front passenger, but also to the passengers in the rear. Suzuki did not save on the trunk volume either. The vehicle interior and 430 liters behind the second row of seats offer space for the whole family and their luggage.

Well thought-out engines

The engines of the SX4 S-Cross are quite clear. In addition to the diesel engine we tested, Suzuki now only offers its customers a gasoline engine with a displacement of 1,6 liters and 120 horsepower. Both engines are equipped with a start-stop system as standard. With its 1.6-liter turbodiesel and 88kW (120 hp), the diesel engine brings a decent and sufficient 320 Nm of torque at 1.750 rpm to the chassis. Combined with the newly developed ALLGRIP all-wheel drive, the vehicle leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to locomotion on different terrain. ALLGRIP guarantees optimal traction in different conditions with four different driving modes. Dynamic and safe driving in wind and weather are no problem thanks to the "Auto", "Snow", "Sport" and "Lock" modes. The convenient “Auto” mode propels the vehicle forward exclusively via the front wheels and only switches the rear axle continuously when required. This happens automatically. The "Snow" mode increases traction on snow and ice. In “Sport” mode, the even distribution of torque across both axles increases the driving dynamics of the S-Cross. Critical conditions are cushioned by the "Lock" mode. This is done by the rigid 50:50 distribution of torque.

When it comes to saving fuel, the 1.6 liter of diesel can be seen and driven. Suzuki promises a combined consumption of 4,2 l / 100 and 110 g / km CO2 emissions for the common rail four-cylinder.

Security is a top priority with affordable equipment

Security is a top priority. All equipment variants offer seven airbags including the curtain airbags at the front and rear. ESP, ABS and ISOFIX child seat attachments on both outer rear seats are a standard here. In the area of ​​pedestrian protection, Suzuki uses the new "Total Effective Control Technology", which optimally absorbs and distributes impact forces.

With the three equipment lines "Club", "Comfort" and "Comfort +", Suzuki gives us enough options for every taste. Even the basic “Club” equipment includes an air conditioning system with pollen filter, front and rear electric windows, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, an MP3-compatible CD radio with steering wheel controls, USB connection and four loudspeakers. The next higher line “Comfort” comes up with a Bluetooth hands-free system, keyless start and fog lights. The SX4 S-Cross gets the finishing touches in terms of equipment with the “Comfort +” package. Parking sensors front / rear, leather seats, bi-xenon headlights, a navigation device with a reversing camera and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard equipment. The two-part panoramic sliding glass roof with its generous view rounds off this package as a successful one.

Suzuki can pay to increase the equipment variants from "Club" to "Comfort" with € 1.800. The further step from "Comfort" to "Comfort +", on the other hand, costs € 3.800. However, this is a very good price / performance ratio. In the end, the diesel units are also rather affordable for an additional charge of € 2.200.

Conclusion: a successful crossover for the whole family

All in all, the SX4 S-Cross hits the word “crossover” very well. The combination of a comfortable family vehicle with generous space and high driving dynamics in all locations has been a success. Practical variability is always possible. So traveling with family and luggage as well as use for sporting activities with the SX4 S-Cross are fun and don't miss anything. But the car also cuts a fine figure when visiting the furniture or hardware store.

Technical data: Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 DDIS 4 × 4 Comfort +