2014 Suzuki S-Cross: Price, Features And Models For Australia

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.

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.

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

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