Remember the odd-looking Suzuki SX4? Well, this is what it looks like now. Dropping the “SX4” name altogether (the second-generation model was known as the SX4 S-Cross), the third-gen model takes on a decidedly SUV-like styling.
The front of the 2022 S-Cross is dominated by a large piano-black grille fitted with LED position lamps. This helps it portray a high center of gravity—the opposite of what carmakers usually go for with their designs. At the side, the square wheel arches and use of horizontal lines add some muscularity. Over to the back, it has larger clear-type combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the center garnish for an added sense of width.
Inside, the interior has a floating-style center console with a 9-inch high-definition infotainment system equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also acts as the display for the available 360-degree camera. A 430-liter luggage capacity makes it versatile, while an available panoramic sunroof provides a feeling of spaciousness.
The launch engine is a 1.4-liter (K14D) turbocharged BoosterJet engine. This powerplant alone has power and torque comparable to a normally-aspirated 2.0-liter. But then, it’s also combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. All in all, maximum output is 129 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 235 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. In terms of performance, it can do 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. Top speed is rated at 189 km/h.
By next year, a “strong” hybrid system that combines a newly-developed petrol engine with a single motor generator unit (MGU) will join the line-up. This system, together with Auto Gear Shift or AGS will make its way to the Vitara and then the S-Cross.
For safety, the S-Cross features the autonomous emergency braking, lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, and even blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
The 2022 S-Cross is manufactured in Hungary alongside the Vitara. Sales will start first in Europe at the end of this year followed by Latin America, Oceania, and then Asia in 2022.
2022 Suzuki S-Cross Major Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,300 mm
- Overall Width: 1,785 mm
- Overall Height: 1,585 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
- Engine: 1.4-liter BoosterJet + DITC (Mild Hybrid)
- Maximum Output: 129 PS @ 5,500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 235 Nm @ 2,000 to 3,000 rpm
Exterior looks very clean and simple (not sure about those aftermarket-looking tail lights though), and the interior could very well be the first Suzuki interior that doesn't look entirely cheap... except for that previous generation steering wheel - I thought that design was already discontinued in favor of the design used in the Swift/Ertiga. Seeing how expensive the non-turbo AWD Vitara is locally and also considering the 2nd gen SX4 wasn't available locally, I don't think the S-Cross will see Philippine shores.
ReplyDeleteThis could occupy the previous price range/market if Vitara (1M) to improve their strength in the affordable market. But they also better improve the existing Vitara w/ better engine and features so its 1.4M price is justified. It will then serve as Suzuki PH flagship model.
ReplyDeleteIf price is right it will go head to head with the Chinese Carmakers Subcompact Crossover Competition.
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