We test drive the new Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid ahead of its expected Australian arrival to see how it stacks up.
The pending launch of the Suzuki S-Cross in Australia will give buyers two options to choose from once properly confirmed and launched – but how does it stack up against the current 1.4-litre turbo, and more importantly, other hybrids in its class?
The Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid features a 1.5-litre engine along with a small battery and 140V electric motor that’s designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. All S-Cross Hybrid models come with Suzuki’s AGS automated manual transmission as standard, rather than a conventional or CVT automatic.
There are two versions of the S-Cross Hybrid available overseas. Motion trim features front-wheel drive, or there’s the top-spec Ultra model driven here with Suzuki’s Allgrip all-wheel drive system.
The S-Cross Hybrid Ultra is well equipped with automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather trim, adaptive cruise control, twin sliding sunroof, a nine-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera system with bird’s eye view of the car, as well as a full suite of safety equipment.
However, while the S-Cross looks smart, is well equipped, and roomy enough up front, it can’t quite match its rivals for space in the back. Rear-seat occupants will find legroom is tight, while the 293-litre boot is smaller than you’ll get in some compact hatchbacks.
Some people will appreciate the S-Cross’s compact dimensions, and this is one SUV that’s easy to manoeuvre. Light steering and a nimble chassis mean the S-Cross feels eager to change direction, while the hybrid running gear only adds around 73kg to the car’s kerb weight (taking it to 1378kg), helping retain the agile feel.
The Hybrid system is claimed to offer combined fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km in Allgrip guise. The naturally aspirated Hybrid is less powerful than the turbocharged 1.4, though – 84kW, compared with 95kW – and torque is down, too, the S-Cross Hybrid’s 138Nm much lower than the 220Nm from the turbo engine.
That’s not too much of an issue in everyday driving, but that’s largely because the transmission will be causing frustration instead. Automated manuals have always been a bit of an acquired taste, and the one in the S-Cross is no different.
Fire up the car, select drive and release the handbrake (the S-Cross has a manual lever, which is unusual for a hybrid such as this), and when you press the accelerator, not a lot happens. The transmission is slow to react to your inputs, while throttle response is variable.
Sometimes it delivers the power that you need, but on other occasions the hesitation from the transmission encourages you to press the throttle harder, only for the car to react and lurch forward as the power comes in. Then on other occasions – such as when slowing to enter a roundabout – you can attempt to dial in the same amount of throttle to get back up to speed, only for the car to leave you floundering with no power at all.
The transmission delivers slow shifts, and it feels as if the clutch is dragging with every change, too. If you’re accelerating to higher speeds – when joining a motorway, for example – the car lurches back and forth as the next gear is selected. You can overcome some of the gearbox foibles by adapting your driving style, or you could select Sport mode. This largely shuts down the hybrid system apart from the stop-start, though, negating the benefits of the set-up, while the slightest press of the throttle sees the engine revs soar as the transmission downshifts.
Suzuki’s technical partner Toyota has developed its hybrid tech to offer refined efficiency, but Suzuki still has some catching up to do. The 1.5-litre engine is always audible when it’s running, while there are distinct whooshes and whines from the electrical part of the hybrid system when slowing down.
One benefit of the automated manual is that it feels like a conventional manual when you do slow, and this helps to recoup a decent amount of energy back into the battery. However, the S-Cross doesn’t rely on its battery as frequently as some other hybrids, with the engine largely taking over when traveling at higher speeds. This really is a hybrid that does its best work at lower speeds and around town.
The Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid is a neat compact SUV that’s packed with plenty of kit at a competitive price, while its option of all-wheel drive is relatively unique in the sector. However, rivals offer more space, while the Hybrid model’s ponderous automated manual transmission means it’s not very smooth to drive. It’s a decent effort, but the 1.4-litre turbo engine is a better car overall.
Dean Gibson