2020 Suzuki Vitara and S-Cross mild-hybrid prices revealed

• Suzuki’s core models receive the new mild-hybrid system
• CO2 emissions and MPG improved by 17%
• ‘ISG’ acts as a starter motor, generator and provides more torque

The Suzuki Vitara and Suzuki S-Cross SUVs have been updated for 2020, both receiving mild-hybrid assistance that reduces CO2 emissions and slightly improves fuel economy. Prices have now been revealed, with the S-Cross costing from £20,749 and the Vitara starting from £21,749. There’s also a mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift Sport.

Suzuki Vitara mild-hybrid prices and specs

Suzuki’s rival to the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke now starts from £21,749 in entry-level SZ4 trim. Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, LED headlights and automatic climate control. Stepping up to SZ-T costs £22,749 (although that’s almost £2,000 more than the previous non-hybrid model) and adds bigger wheels, a rear parking camera and Apple/Android connectivity. Top-spec SZ5 now starts at £24,749 and features a panoramic sunroof and keyless entry, although adding four-wheel drive adds £800 to the price.

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Suzuki S-Cross mild-hybrid prices and specs

The slightly bigger S-Cross actually has a lower starting price, at £20,749. SZ4 models come with two-zone climate control, LED headlights and smartphone mirroring, while the £23,749 SZ-T version comes with adaptive cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SZ5 is another £2,000 more expensive, but comes with a panoramic sunroof and leather seats (heated in the front). As with the Vitara, it’s the only spec to which you can add Suzuki’s ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system.

Fuel economy and performance

The Suzuki Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross are available with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The setup includes a new version of the 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine and will result in lower CO2 emissions for all three models. As a result, you can expect 49.7mpg and 50.1mpg from the Vitara and S-Cross respectively, while lower CO2 emissions of 127-128g/km put the two cars in a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for company-car drivers.

The new system contains a 48V lithium-ion battery that recharges as you drive. An integrated starter generator (ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) convertor also power some of the low-voltage components fitted to the Sport, Vitara and S-Cross, such as the lights and infotainment systems.

The system’s 48V lithium-ion battery is stored under the seats. When the mild-hybrid models slow down, energy is put back into the battery. The ISG powers the cars’ stop/start function, which now works at under 10mph.

Looking for more information on these Suzuki models? Read our reviews of the Swift, Vitara and S-Cross.