2014 SUZUKI SX4 S-CROSS
Suzuki's new $22,990 S-Cross five-door has touched down in Australia this week, following its international unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The S-Cross arrives in Australia as a replacement for the ageing SX4, debuting as a larger and more advanced entry in the hugely competitive compact SUV market.
Debuting a "think bigger" design strategy, the S-Cross is significantly longer and wider than the SX4 it replaces, while riding on a stretched wheelbase that outdoes the Ford EcoSport, Holden Trax and Peugeot 2008.
Highlighting the market appeal of both small hatches and compact SUVs, Suzuki Australia boss Tony Devers said today that the S-Cross is being marketed "as a hatch, a crossover hatch".
That's important, because while the outgoing SX4 range originally offered regular hatch and sedan options alongside the jacked-up crossover, the new model offers a high-riding option only.
"We've benchmarked it against the (Nissan) Dualis/Qashqai, but we're also measuring it against the Corolla and other options in the small-car market," Mr Devers said.
The range kicks off at $22,990 for the GL and tops out with the $34,990 GLX Prestige.
Mechanical Package
The S-Cross will launch with Suzuki's M16A 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 86kW at 6000rpm, and 156Nm of torque at 4400rpm.
Two transmissions will be on offer: a five-speed manual and a CVT automatic, the latter offering seven programmed 'gears' in GLX models.
Front- and 'AllGrip' all-wheel-drive options will also feature, although buyers opting for the manual transmission will be limited to the front-wheel-drive GL.
Fuel consumption is listed at 5.8 l/100km with both manual an CVT versions of the GL, along with the CVT-only front-wheel-drive GLX.
Moving up to all-wheel-drive models - available in GLX and GLX Prestige trim - sees fuel consumption increase to 6.2 l/100km.
A diesel engine is offered in international markets, although this unit has not been made available for Australia yet.
Speaking with TMR today, Suzuki Australia boss Tony Devers said the engine will be reviewed for the local market when it becomes an option.
"Diesel is important to this market, but it's not on our radar for the immediate future," Mr Devers said.
Suspension in the S-Cross is by MacPherson struts up front, matched to a torsion-beam setup at the rear.
The braking package for all models includes ventilated discts up front and solid discs at the rear.
Suzuki quotes a 1200kg braked tow rating for all models, and 400kg unbraked. Down-ball rating is 75kg.
Features & Dimensions
The S-Cross measures 4310mm long, making it 160mm longer than the SX4 it replaces, and 160mm shorter than the 5-door Grand Vitara.
The wheelbase has also grown from 2500 to 2600mm, promising a segment-leading 430 litres of rear storage space with the 60:40 split-folding back seats upright. Folded, that capacity increases to 1269 litres.
Standard features with the entry GL model include 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, cloth interior, Bluetooth with phone and media connectivity, tilt/reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, four-speaker sound system, roof rails.
Moving up to the GLX models (FWD/AWD) add 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, 6.1-inch display with sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights (HID) and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, mirror-mounted side indicators and silver body highlights.
The top-shelf GLX Prestige (AWD only) mirrors the regular GLX features while adding a sliding panoramic glass roof and a leather interior.
The new panoramic glass roof features two sliding panels. Closed, the panels have a combined length of 1000mm, and when open, the roof offers an open-space length of 560mm.
All models get a multi-information display in the instrument cluster that displays instant fuel consumption, outside temperature and, in all-wheel-drive models, the selected driving mode.
Safety features include seven airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. There's also seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, along with a number of pedestrian impact safety features.
- Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼
- S-Cross | Suzuki | Compact SUVs
PRICING (excludes on-road costs)
- S-Cross GL - 2WD manual - $22,990
- S-Cross GL - 2WD auto - $25,490
- S-Cross GLX - 2WD auto - $29,990
- S-Cross GLX - AWD auto - $32,990
- S-Cross GLX Prestige - AWD auto - $34,990
- Interested in buying SUZUKI ? Visit our SUZUKI showroom for more information.
20 Comments
Heaps better looking than the SX4
Ripp off
Compared to what? Because if this is another "cheaper overseas" comment... buy some cardboard and black paint and go stand outside parliament.
To a Skoda Yeti, Subaru XV, Mitsubishi ASX to name a few. 1.6 Motor with no diesel variety is a major let down.
it is lot more expensive than outgoing SX4 and also loses value proposition that Suzuki brand brings in. For a tiny bit more, Dualis or ASX is a better proposition than this. I was expecting 20990 as their start price. it won't be long before it comes to this. also, GL model doesn't have reversing camera? when will car makers realise reverse camera is not a luxury item, especially when they target small families to buy such SUVs. wake up.
Continue to [not] be seen in small numbers, a nowhere brand really...
@Cazzo Again a lot of dribble coming from you. Suzuki has never been a large volume seller, but sells enough cars world wide. Especially in India. Not many cars are as reliable as a Suzuki. Go and research reliability on Suzuki cars and you will be surprised. That hopefully keeps you occupied for a while.
1.6 liter NA engine, what a let down :(
I agree, Please bring the 1.6 litre Turbo Diesel engine with 320Nm and a great fuel economy 4.2l/100km (Combined). "Mr. Tony Devers" think real, we need "diesel engine", which is sold internationally. Keep it on your radar, if not you will loose many possible and present Suzuki customers.
Totally agree. Diesel makes this a great machine. Plenty of grunt and extra towing capacity. I too think dear Mr Devers needs to get his radar corrected and bring the diesel in quick smart.
because diesel is not "on your radar" i'm not going to buy it. cheers;
I had a 2010 series SX4 AWD with CVT and generally, it was a good car. However,its range was poor due to average fuel consumption from the 2 litre engine coupled with a smallish tank. A diesel option would be great however Suzuki probably dont have an automatic,CVT or DSG type transmission available. As the KIA Soul has a 1.6 turbo diesel/6 speed auto available in Australia there is no reason why Suzuki could not offer a similar engine/transmission so over to you Suzuki to keep up with other manufacturers. My other complaints were the wooden steering feel and restricted front pillar vision which should have been addressed in the new S-Cross model
looks good although prestige model should offer the2.4 motor along with electric front seats and heated, also reverse camera. For me to purchase these would be a requirement in this model.: I currently drive a 2011 Kizashi, great car but as I am getting on in years entry is becoming difficult with the low roof line common in many new cars. I have not seen the S-CROSS as yet and ease of entry would be important to me.
:p I've just brought the all new xs4 suzuki s-cross & so far its very impressive don't know what the problem most people have with Suzuki but reliable comfortble fuel is good & have been told that there will be a DIESEL COMING VERY SOON & proberly the 1.9 Reno DIESEL with is already in the Suzuki Urban 4x4 manual & what a motor it is power to BURN TO BURN. John:-)) :D :D B-/
:) Yea Man I agree but I'm waiting for the deisel. Should be a real power plant!!
Would love one of these in a diesel auto. Just can't wait for Mr Devers to get on the torquey diesel wagon with such a great optioned car. Other makers are doing it what's suzuki's holdup?
I have been waiting for the 2014 s cross to arrive in Australia since it was unveiled in Geneva. I too am disappointed in the lack of diesel option so shall not be making a purchase. Deciding whether to wait for Suzuki to wake up and offer the diesel in Australia or whether to start looking at what else is out there.
I remember the CEO of Nissan Australia say the same thing about the diesel X-Trail, blah blah blah,diesel is important to this market, blah blah blah, by the time they get off their, it will be too late, people want Suzuki diesels NOW, not 6 months, not 12 months Also the CEO of Nissan said in Oct whatever, We won't be importing X-Trails diesels ever, 3 months later, the flood gates opened, too late, prospective buyers bought the petrol X Trail, how to **** off loyal customers, lie to their faces, they appreciate that, NOT.
Wonder why Suzuki are making contradictory statements regarding the S Cross diesel & the new Vitara diesel due around April/May 2015. When we are told that 'Diesel is important for our market but not on our radar' is an odd remark. If Suzuki are serious about adding more diesels to the local market , why wasn't this done particularly when the S Cross was launched?? Yet the new Vitara when it arrives here , won't be available with a diesel option! The comment makes no sense whatsoever! C'Mon Suzuki Aust,it's about time to find someone that has extensive knowledge of the Australian market & current trends. 39.5% of all new total car sales in 2013-14 were diesels! You need to rethink your strategies & your marketing & supply vehicles that people want.
I was opting to buy brand new DESIRE MARUTI SUZKI in India this month however now I switch on to this SUZUKI S CROSS