The latest novelty of 2021 for Suzuki is the second generation of the S-Cross, which presents itself with the added appeal of a design redefined by the Italian style center in collaboration with the IED of Turin and more attractive than the slightly baroque one. of the past, especially after the 2016 restyling.
Now the appearance is more “off-road” and a little less crossover and this is certainly functional to the preferences of the public, which already as regards the past generation has already chosen the S-Cross in the four-wheel drive variant in more than half of cases. After all, this solution represents an integral part of the Suzuki image in our country.
Certainly the new model gains a greater presence on the road, despite the dimensions have remained the same as the previous edition, with a length of 4.3 meters which makes it an easily manageable car even in the city.
Inside, four are comfortable, the finishes are careful, even if the use of rigid plastics is a bit extensive, and the design is traditional, without concessions to extreme digitization. So it has an immediacy that will be reassuring for the mature audience and perhaps won’t excite those who are more fascinated by touch displays and controls.
But on the dashboard there is still a nice 9-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch TFT screen appears among the analog instruments and connectivity is ensured by the wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and the cable connection for Android Auto.
The commercial strategy currently envisages only two full-optional versions and a single 1,400 turbo petrol engine with a 48V 129 HP mild-hybrid system. In the course of 2022, however, the range will be enriched with a full-hybrid variant, which will allow you to move for some stretches even with “zero emissions”.
On the other hand, there is no fully electric version, a field in which Suzuki will only enter from 2025.
The commercial policy of the S-Cross is that of “full optional”. Only two productions are planned. The Top +, which costs 28,890 euros, which already offers a navigator, heated seats, active cruise control and other ADAS to reach level 2 of assisted driving. The Starview adds the transparent sunroof and the six-speed automatic transmission. In both cases, the four-wheel drive involves a surcharge of another 2,500 euros, after which the only other possible outlay concerns the metallic paint. But, of course, there is the inevitable launch promotion, valid until the end of January, which involves an automatic discount of 2,000 euros, plus another 1,000 bonuses if there is a trade-in or scrapping involved.
The 1.400 Boosterjet is very lively right from the low revs thanks to the support of the electric motor which contributes another 13.6 kW and 50 Nm and allows it to restart from very low speed even in sixth, as well as giving a nice cut in consumption.
Performance is brilliant and ground clearance, which makes the roll feel, doesn’t affect handling that much, although perhaps a little more sensitive steering would have improved the situation even more. We are not talking about an extreme off-road vehicle but the four-wheel drive system with four modes of torque distribution between the axles (Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock) allows you to move a little everywhere.
Given the product and contents, it is to be expected that the new S-Cross will give even more energy to Suzuki’s positive trend in our country. This year, in fact, the Italian branch of the Japanese brand will not only close its balance sheet with an increase in sales of almost 22% compared to the terrible year 2020, but will also record a surplus of almost 11% compared to 2019. , when Covid had not yet slowed down the world and the car market proceeded at its usual pace. Not only that: 2021 will end with around 40,000 deliveries, which is the all-time record. Which, from the point of view of revenue, is a success, because 90% of Suzuki customers are private individuals, who do not receive the “bargain” prices reserved for fleets.
Suzuki S-Cross, la scheda
What is that: It is the second generation of Suzuki’s compact SUV and is on the market as a more luxurious and complete alternative to the Vitara.
Dimensions: length 4,300 meters, width 1,785 meters, height 1,585 meters, wheelbase 2,600 meters.
Rivals: Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 2008, VW T-Roc
Engines: 1,400 turbocharged petrol with 129 HP with 48 Volt mild hybrid system.
Advantages: Cleaner exterior style, very rich set-up, low fuel consumption, brilliant performance.
Defects: Engine a little noisy at high revs, rigid suspension on the bumpy, some too much rigid plastic.
Production: Esztergom (Hungary).
Prices: The Top + set-up costs 28,890 euros, while for the Starview, with automatic gearbox and transparent sunroof, it goes up to 31,190 euros.