Suzuki’s compact S-Cross SUV is now available in two iterations: as a manual mild-hybrid; and in this new full-hybrid automatic version with a 1.5-litre engine and larger battery, which is designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, said Auto Express. It’s got plenty of kit, is well-priced, and the four-wheel drive option is pretty unique in the sector. However, the automated manual gearbox means it isn’t very smooth to drive.
With just 112bhp, performance is a bit disappointing, said Car Magazine. 0-62mph takes a “pedestrian” 12.7 seconds in the front-wheel drive Motion model, and a “glacial” 13.5secs in the Ultra four-wheel drive (compared with 9.5secs in the mild-hybrid). And the full hybrid isn’t much more efficient either – fuel economy is 54.3mpg and 48.7mpg respectively, compared with 47.8mpg in the mild-hybrid model.
The full hybrid is well-balanced in bends, with a decent amount of grip, but steering is “disconcertingly light”, said The Daily Telegraph. Inside feels a bit cheap: the interior plastics are flimsy and switches look a bit dated, though there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It’s roomy enough up front, but a bit more of a squeeze in the back; and the battery takes up a big chunk of boot space – 293 litres isn’t enough for a family car. Price: from about £25,000.
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In pictures: Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid
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