The Garage – Suzuki SX4 S-Cross GLX

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.