Suzuki S-Cross Motion – new model offers reliability and value for money
Suzuki S-Cross Motion road test review: An all-new model, DAVID HOOPER says this smart SUV is well equipped and great value for money.
THIS Suzuki S-Cross is an all-new model from the Japanese manufacturer, which I have to say, I was quite taken with.
Built in Hungary, its smart SUV looks and clean styling combined with a surprisingly spacious interior and large versatile boot, good equipment levels and a very reasonable price, especially in the current market, which makes the S-Cross an attractive proposition in my book.
The model I tested was the manual version although buyers do have the option of an automatic should they prefer, and our test car was finished in Sphere Blue, which looked lovely in the sunshine. Buyers have a choice of five other metallic colours (for £550) or a solid white colour which doesn’t cost any extra.
An automatic gearbox can be ordered for those who prefer the gears to be changed for them, with both gearbox options being mated to Suzuki’s 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine featuring Suzuki’s clever Boosterjet technology which provides a nice spread of torque, peaking at 235Nm and available from 2,000rpm.
A four wheel drive model is also offered if you want to get a bit more adventurous and opt for the ALLGRIP Select four system which is available on the Ultra model.
Helped by its mild hybrid drivetrain, fuel economy is good too, with steady drivers able to expect a combined figure of 53.2mpg according to the WLTP regulations, with relatively low CO2 emissions of 120g/km, which means your road tax will currently cost £170 in the first year and £145 after that.
While it may not win many traffic light sprints with a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds, the S-Cross makes perfectly acceptable progress once on the move, and with a potential top speed of 121mph on tap, it’s certainly no slouch, and can cruise comfortably at motorway speeds.
Dynamically, the S-Cross is a perfectly pleasant travelling companion which steers and stops competently. The steering is nice and light for manoeuvring, but still accurate at higher speeds, while the damping set up gives good body control through the corners without being harsh in any way.
Inside, the cabin is pleasantly spacious and airy and comes with plenty of equipment and toys. Standard across the range is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and parking sensors fore and aft.
The Ultra specification adds leather upholstery, on-board navigation and a panoramic sunroof, as well as the ALLGRIP system, and still comes in just below £30,000!
There is plenty of safety kit too, with automated braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control standard on all models.
The boot offers plenty of space, and features a split floor, so you can hide things under the “false” floor if you want to, or lower the tray to use the full height for anything bulkier.
The S-Cross, with its smart SUV styling, is a good all-rounder which comes with Suzuki’s 5-Year, 100,000 mile warranty, so it’s unlikely to give you any trouble, and with sensible pricing, makes it a compelling contender on anyone’s potential new car list.
Rating: 
If you like this, read our review on the Suzuki Swace.
THE VITAL STATISTICS
MODEL: Suzuki S-Cross Motion
ENGINE: 1373cc, 129PS four-cylinder petrol engine, driving front wheels through 6-speed manual gearbox.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 121 mph. 0-62mph in 9.5 secs.
ECONOMY: City: 47.3mpg.
Country: 60.7mpg.
Combined: 53.2mpg.
CO2 EMISSIONS: 120g/km.
INSURANCE: Group 22
PRICE: £25,549 as tested
WARRANTY: 5 years/100,000 miles
WEBSITE: www.cars.suzuki.co.uk
• All data correct at time of publication.