Suzuki S-Cross SUV - Engines, drive & performance
The availability of four-wheel drive sets the S-Cross apart from many of its rivals
Although crossovers often have chunky styling and plastic wheel arch covers, many of them are staunchly two-wheel drive. The S-Cross backs up its looks with its AllGrip four-wheel-drive system, fitted as standard on the higher trim level. It has four drive modes: Auto, which engages all four wheels when it detects slip, Sport for improved cornering, Snow for slippery surfaces and a hardcore Lock mode, which will let you crawl over some of the toughest terrain. It’s unlikely to match a Land Rover Defender off-road but the AllGrip system will undoubtedly bring benefits and general peace-of-mind to drivers who live in rural areas.
On the road, the ride is composed at higher speeds but a little unsettled at lower speeds. The car’s light weight improves the driving experience, with the S-Cross feeling more agile than many of its rivals.
While there isn’t a huge amount of power on offer, it does kick in relatively low in the rev range. That helps the car feel sprightly off the line and makes motorway overtakes easier, as you don’t need to work the car hard.
Suzuki S-Cross petrol engine
The engine choice is simple in the S-Cross, as all versions come with a 1.4-litre ‘Boosterjet’ petrol engine. It produces 127bhp, so matches the mid-range Peugeot 2008 and SEAT Ateca, and gets from 0-62mph in a respectable 9.5 seconds. The S-Cross is available with four-wheel drive on the top trim level and it doesn’t affect performance too much; 0-62mph takes 10.2 seconds. Both front and four-wheel-drive versions can be ordered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
