Suzuki Australia introduced the SX4 S-Cross earlier this year and quickly followed with adjusted and highly competitive drive away pricing. But is this hatch, come SUV come soft off-roader the type of vehicle Australians will fall in love with? This week in the EFTM Garage sits the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross GLX.
Make: Suzuki
Model: S-Cross
Variant: GLX
Engine / Transmission: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol with 7-speed Continuously Variable Transmission.
Vital Stats: 86kW@6,000 rpm / 156Nm @4400rpm.
Suzuki Claimed Fuel Economy: 6.2l / 100km (AWD)
EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 7.1l / 100km
Drive Away Price: From $22,990 – $36,990. As tested $29,990 (GLX CVT)
Wow Factor: As a successor to the original SX4 Suzuki unleashed a larger, more functional and stylish effort. GLX models are very well equipped with simple pleasures in life including keyless entry / start, auto HID headlamps, auto wipers, auto dimming rear vision mirror, dual zone air-conditioning, satnav, attractive 17-inch alloys and LED positioning lamps. An impressive All Wheel Drive System allows for driver selectable modes such as Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. The system makes easy work of a beach run and helps things stay on track in the snow
Most Impressive: Clever storage and cargo space management. I like the two-angle adjustable rear seat which reclines for increased luggage space. Convenience hidey-holes are spread throughout the GLX cabin with a rear centre armrest and cup holders, overhead console and map pockets. Further family friendly additions including a 12V DC power socket in the luggage area plus hooks for holding shopping bags are always handy. The S-Cross rides competently, with a well sorted flat corning attitude.
Least Impressive: Seriously underpowered, a turbo-diesel option is a must. The engine and transmission combination simply don’t live up to expectations. If you like the idea of a 1.6-litre petrol engine groaning away at 4000rpm this is the car for you. Steering is a little artificial and annoyingly the S-Cross tends to stray off course in straight line.
Early Verdict: Appreciate the high level of equipment for the price, larger than a hatch but not as cumbersome as more traditional smallish SUV’s. Nice interior, not overtly cheap looking like some others. However if the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross was blessed with the grunt it deserves we’d have a more threatening proposition on our hands.
Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.
He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.
Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.
Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.
He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”
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