Suzuki S-Cross on sale in January from $22,990

The Suzuki S-Cross will go on sale in Australia priced from $22,990 plus on-roads for the front-wheel drive GL manual. Read ForceGT‘s S-Cross review here.

Available in three models – GL, GLX and GLX Prestige, the new S-Cross brings bolder styling than its predecessor, the SX4. There is plenty of chrome in the front fascia for a more upmarket look, including LED positioning lamps in the headlamps. According to Suzuki, it also boasts the first double sliding panoramic glass sunroof with one of the largest opening areas in the category.

Inside, the instrument panel has soft padded surfaces and certain items, including the centre ornament, centre console and door trim, have silver decorations which add a sport touch against the cabin’s keynote black colour.

Key highlights of the S-Cross include having one of the lowest CO₂ emissions in the segment and a luggage capacity of 430 litres. All-wheel drive models are also equipped with the marque’s next-generation AWD system with four driver-selectable driving modes.

The S-Cross will launch with a 1.6-litre petrol engine that generates 86kW of power and 156Nm of torque. It is mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. Weight savings in the engine and related parts help achieve a fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km, irrespective of transmission choice.

Despite being larger, the S-Cross is 110kg lighter than the SX4 it replaces, thanks to weight-reduction technologies such as the use of high-tensile steel plates for about 50% of the car body.

S-Cross GL standard features
1.6-litre engine
Five-speed manual transmission
Optional CVT
16-inch alloy wheels
Bluetooth with audio streaming
Cruise control
Seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag)
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls
Four-speaker sound system
Roof rails

S-Cross GLX (2WD/AWD) adds
Keyless entry/start
Leather steering wheel
HID headlamps with dusk sensor
Rain-sensing wipers
Dual zone climate control air-conditioning
Seven-speaker sound system
6.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with satnav, Bluetooth, USB integration
Reversing camera and rear parking sensors
17-inch alloys
LED positioning lamps
Silver body garnishes
Paddle shift with 7-speed manual mode
Mirror-mounted side indicators
Auto dimming rear vision mirror

S-Cross GLX Prestige (AWD) adds
Double sliding panoramic sunroof
Leather interior