Suzuki Sx-4 S-Cross – The Value Crossover
The original car from which stemmed the current model Suzuki SX-4 dated from 2006 but was updated in 2013 to the model seen here, which itself is a 2017 S-Cross up-dated version. This is the car as tried and tested by MHH Japanese Cars. This latest SX-4 is generally chunkier with a bold chrome grille and revised lights front and rear. It looks smart and the good news is, it’s smart on the road too.
On The Road
You can get this car with the optional ALLGRIP 4-wheel Drive system for more challenging roads. A quick flick of a dial lets the driver adapt to varying conditions. Our test car, in SZ-T trim, was strictly two-wheel drive but none the worse for that. We’ve used the same 4WD system in other Suzuki cars and it works well, although not for serious off-road work.
On the road, the Suzuki SX-4 S-Cross is a pleasure to drive. Under the bonnet buyers can specify a diesel engine and some markets also have a good 1.5L gasoline engine or a turbocharged petrol engine. As ever these things depend upon regionally differing options. The 1.0L turbo three-cylinder serves up 109bhp which, on the face of it, isn’t a lot. Yet it reveals itself to be a flexible and torquey little unit that performs well.
At around 11 seconds for the 62mph sprint it’s not exactly hot-wheels time but the Suzuki SX-4 is a sprightly and enjoyable drive. Wind and road noise is commendably hushed for a car at this value price point. On the go, the Suzuki SX-4 S-Cross drove with impressive body control, minimal body roll and light, direct steering.
On The Inside
Driving and riding in this car highlights the appealing attitude that cars from this brand always seem to have. The interior (there are also two other drive levels; SZ4 and the range-topping SZ5, as ever regionally and age dependent) is not that much different from earlier models but updates include a piano black centre panel and a new soft-touch dashboard. Refreshingly button-free, most functions are controlled through the 6” touchscreen.
The fabric-covered seats are very comfortable. Suzuki don’t go in for flash. Their interiors, while never exciting or luxurious, are always attractive and, more to the point, usable and robust. Inevitably, with a range that starts at just under £15k, there are some less-seen areas of hard plastic. This is a usual moan with less expensive vehicles but, really, does it matter? With lots of standard kit and tech this car is good value.
The boot, bigger than a Skoda Yeti or a Nissan Qashqai, is generous and well-shaped with a false floor and big, handy side bins. The rear seats split for convenience and Isofix is standard.
Conclusion
Suzuki have come on a lot in recent years. In addition to the familiar models a new Swift has arrived making older models a sensible purchase and then of course there’s the hugely cute Ignis. MHH Japanese Cars give all Suzuki models the seal of approval and the SX-4 will certainly not disappoint.
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