Marque sets sights on rivals with the S-Cross, the largest vehicle in its lineup.
Suzuki New Zealand is lauding the arrival of two variants of the latest S-Cross, with the compact SUV set to become the marque’s new flagship.
Gary Collins, general manager of motor vehicle marketing, says the S-Cross is now the largest car in the Suzuki lineup as it is longer and wider than the Vitara.
He hopes the vehicle, which is an upgrade from the previous generation S-Cross Prestige, can compete with the likes of Nissan’s Qashqai, the Mitsubishi ASX and Kia’s Seltos.
The S-Cross is available in JX Turbo and JLX Turbo grades – the former only comes as two-wheel drive (2WD) and the JLX as either two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Each model has a six-stage automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Other features include a raised-bonnet appearance, a hexagonal gloss piano-black grille and a range of new technology designed to aid safety and convenience.
Its overall length measures 4300mm and the wheelbase of 2600mm is 100mm longer than the Vitara to benefit legroom and luggage space.
Under the bonnet is a 1.4-litre K14C-DITC Boosterjet turbo engine that produces 103kW at 5,500 rpm. Suzuki NZ notes the direct injection Bosterjet has a seven-hole injector nozzle that helps lowers emissions and the S-Cross is neutral under the clean car discount scheme.
With 220Nm of torque ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, the 2WD models average 5.9L/100km economy in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), which converts to 6.6L/100km 3P WLTP3).
The AWD model achieves 6.2L/100km in the combined NEDC cycle, or 6.9L/100km 3P WLTP3.
Four selectable driving modes are on offer in the AWD version. Auto mode prioritises fuel economy in typical driving conditions, sport mode alters throttle response rates and torque characteristics, snow mode is ideal for snowy, unpaved and other slippery conditions, while lock mode helps extricate the car from snow, mud or sand with constant high torque distribution to all four wheels.
Both JX and JLX variants are equipped as standard with 215/55 R17 tyres and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels, silver finished on JX and polished face on the higher-grade version.
Safety technologies include dual sensor brake support (DSBS), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and a stop-and-go function that brings the car to a full stop behind the preceding vehicle, following the vehicle if it starts to move again within two seconds.
The interior’s customised 9-inch display atop the centre of the JLX fascia includes Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and voice recognition. The 7-inch display on the JX Turbo also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition available only when connected to a smartphone.
Standard features also include radio, music and movie USB, iPod and Bluetooth music playback and JLX boasts satellite navigation. A seven-speaker tuner is standard on JLX while JX has a six-speaker tuner.
The front seats offer 929mm of legroom, the rear 814mm, and there is
430-440L of boot space with the 60/40 split folding rear seats in an upright position.
Collins adds: “While the new S-Cross is loaded with useful new technology, the car has simple ergonomics and the revamped updated styling result in good all-round visibility.
Seven body colours are available with Cool White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Canyon Bronze Pearl, Sphere Blue Pearl, Energetic Red Pearl and Titan Dark Grey Pearl, while Cosmic Black Pearl is exclusive to the JLX Turbo.
Pricing for the new S-Cross starts at $35,990, plus on-road costs.
Keyword: Suzuki hails new flagship