New engines and a revised front section are the most important features of an upgrade that Suzuki the SX4 S-Cross on its way to its second half of life. The SUV, which is also optionally available with all-wheel drive, is available from dealers at prices starting at 19.790 euros, then motorized with a three-cylinder petrol engine (82 kW / 111 hp).
When designing the front, the Suzuki designers did more than just fine-tuning. Up until now, the Japanese was noticeably unobtrusive, but at least when viewed from the front, it is brimming with self-confidence. The higher, bulky radiator grille, the trapezoidal lower air intake, two power domes on the hood and the large vertical headlights only make it look much more like a real SUV than before.
But Suzuki has not only brought the SX4 S-Cross up to scratch. The previously used 1,6-liter petrol engine with 88 kW / 120 PS was retired. Instead, there are now two turbos to choose from: a 1,0 three-cylinder with 82 kW / 111 PS and a 1,4 liter four-cylinder with 103 kW / 140 PS. Around 60 percent of orders are likely to be placed on both units, with a tendency towards a stronger engine. The only diesel that continues to offer 1,6 kW / 88 PS from 120 liter displacement.
The 1,4-liter engine known from the Vitara (from 23.690 euros) goes well with the 4,30-meter-long and around 1,3-ton SUV. The 140 hp are enough to get the Japanese going properly. The standard sprint succeeds in 9,5 seconds, the top speed is reached at 200 km / h. After all, 220 Nm ensure adequate pulling power, provided the bandwidth of the six-speed gearbox is used diligently. However, this is not always easy, there is a little bit of a shift when shifting. The chassis, on the other hand, has no problem even with fast and tight corners. Suzuki specifies 5,4 liters as the standard consumption value. In everyday life it should be 1,5 to 2 liters more, even if the acceleration potential is used sparingly.
This engine can optionally also be combined with all-wheel drive (surcharge: 1.700 euros), by no means a matter of course in this vehicle class. The Suzuki all-wheel drive system offers four modes, including Snow and Lock. In the latter, the torque distribution is rigidly divided between the two axes in a 50:50 percent ratio. If you opt for the petrol engine and 4 × 4 drive, you have the option of a six-speed automatic transmission, which costs 1.500 euros extra. On the other hand, all-wheel drive is always standard with diesel (from 26.390 euros), which can also be optionally ordered with a six-speed DSG.
The new entry-level engine is the 1,0-liter three-cylinder already featured in the Baleno. It has an output of 82 kW / 111 hp and is certainly the right choice for infrequent drivers and those who don't value all-wheel drive. The engine is quite lively, but only a five-speed manual transmission is available here. Alternatively, the six-speed automatic can also be ordered here.
As before, there are three equipment lines. The basic “Club” version offers, among other things, air conditioning, cruise control and a Bluetooth hands-free system. Most customers - around 80 percent - have so far opted for the "Comfort" medium line. Features include LED headlights, two-zone air conditioning, heated seats, leather steering wheel and a rear center armrest. Comfort + features leather, emergency brake assist and a panoramic glass sliding roof. There is also an audio and navigation system that is operated via a 4,2-inch touchscreen.
Speaking of the sunroof: This not only enables a fresh air feeling, but also makes the interior, which is otherwise kept in lively black tones, friendlier. The space is good thanks to a wheelbase of 2,60 meters, but the seat cushions should be a bit tight for long-legged people. The trunk is no shortage. Between 430 and 1.270 liters fit into it, the loading edge is also low for the back.
The Suzuki is certainly not on every SUV shopping list in this segment, although given its talents and fair pricing, it has hardly had to hide from the competition. After the successful revision, thanks to the new engines, this applies more than ever. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)