By Otsile Kadiege

After countless spyshots leaks online, Suzuki has finally unveiled their new S-Cross. The new S-Cross is the Japanese automaker’s compact SUV. It now boasts an elegant exterior design, a new turbocharged Boosterjet engine with hybrid technology, four wheel drive system for the top-spec and the latest safety systems.

Exterior

The new S-Cross’ front design incorporates a raised bonnet line, piano black front grille and newly designed three LED position headlamps. Its muscular design is enhanced by larger and more angular wheel arches and smooth flowing lines. 

The rear end features larger combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish emphasising a sense of width in addition to roof rails and integrated rear spoiler.

The new S-Cross available in a total of six different shades of which one is a solid colour and five are optional metallic finish.

Interior

Inside, the New S-Cross Motion grade gets a 7-inch touchscreen with MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Ultra grade gets a larger 9-inch touch display with 360-degree view camera and a large panoramic sunroof. 

S-Cross grades 

The new Suzuki S-Cross will be available in two grades, namely Motion and Ultra. Standard equipment on the Motion grade includes 7 airbags, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, 3 signature LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start, dual zone auto air conditioning, heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors.

The Ultra grade adds 17-inch polished alloy wheels, leather seat upholstery, integrated on-board navigation, panoramic sliding sunroof and further driver safety and convenience with the fitment of a 360-degree view camera.

Powertrain

Powering the new Suzuki S-Cross is a reworked K14D turbocharged 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine offering the same level of power and torque of a much larger capacity normally aspirated 2.0-litre engine. The engine is paired with a lightweight 48V hybrid technology which consists of a lithium-ion battery and a Integrated Starter Generator. 

As standard the S-Cross Ultra is fitted with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘Select’ 4WD system available on both manual and automatic transmissions. 

Safety

According to Suzuki, the new S-Cross features passive and active safety systems designed to intelligently anticipate and react to potentially dangerous situations with an excellent level of protection. One of its major safety features is Total Effective Control Technology which is a concept for occupant protecting impact absorption and low weight developed by Suzuki. 

Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags with a driver’s knee airbag as well as seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters. Also standard across the range is advanced forward detection system supports numerous safety technologies of which collision-mitigating Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) is included.

Local availability

“Nothing is currently planned but we will look into it and research, as we do with every model, for the SA market and see if there is an opportunity for the SA market…” This was the response from Suzuki Auto SA when we enquired informally about the local availability of the S-Cross.