2 minute read
Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid - refined capability
ROAD TEST byMarkSlack
THERE seems to be more and more SUVs on the road, whether this is entirely personal choice on behalf of the buyers or clever marketing is a very debateable point.
SUVs do get a bad press though and it is unfair as despite being billed as overly large gas guzzlers not all SUVs fall into that category. There are many smaller versions and even the larger ones now come with selfcharging or plugin hybrid as part of the power deal.
Suzuki has a long and well deserved reputation for making very capable off roaders but have of recent years moved into SUVs with two wheel drive. Whether you’re looking at the Ignis, Vitara or S Cross they all have the option of two or four wheel drive. The S Cross has just been relaunched in new mild or full hybrid form.
Priced from €29,630/ £26,099 even the lead model is bestowed with a particularly generous level of standard equipment. The list includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, LED lights, powered, heated and folding door mirrors along with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Two trim levels and the option of two or fourwheel drive, manual or automatic gears and mild or full hybrid.
My test model was the top line Ultra model in full hybrid form which means a 1.5litre normally aspirated engine and automatic gears. The standard equipment list is even more generous than the lead in model, as it should be with new Suzuki models and the S Cross is no excep come vocal. This is a characteristic of this kind of driving that’s soon second nature. Performance from the 1.5 litre engine isn’t sparkling (go for the manual 1.4 litre boosterjet that’s much quicker) but that said it feels anything but pedestrian. Suzuki produce some very underrated cars in my view and the SCross, despite at this price being up against stiff competition, is certainly one of them.
Facts at a Glance
• Model: Suzuki S-Cross Ultra Hybrid AWD
• Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, normally aspirated petrol
€37,067/£32,649 price tag, and includes a super, full length sliding panoramic glass roof.
There is a distinctly more upmarket feel, the Vitara is well built but uses a lot of not very tactile plastics on the interior, to out and everything from the auto gear shift lever to the touchscreen works crisply.
On the road it’s smooth, refined and quiet, unless you floor the accelerator when the automated manual gearbox does be
• Gears: 6-Speed automated manual.
• Price: €37,067/£32,649
• Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 13.5 seconds/Maximum Speed 175 kmh (108 mph).
• Economy: 5.8l/100km (48.7 mpg) Combined driving.
• Emissions: 132 g/km
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets
Electric vehicles - the future?
WITH the new Fisker Ocean achieving an official longest range on a single charge, is there a future for electric cars in Spain?
The Fisker Ocean has achieved the highest range of any electric SUV in an official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test, having achieved 440 miles with its rangetopping Extreme specification. That would take you from London to Glasgow on a single charge.
With this emerging innovative technology and the lack of available charges in Spain could this latest news help Spanish residents decide on whether to finally take the plunge and a purchase an electric car?
The Fisker Ocean is being built in Austria and will go on sale at the end of April for around €40,000. With top models also having solar panels on the roof to provide more power in sunny conditions, this could be the ideal car model for Spain.
PUMP PRICES: Are not being cut in a meaningful way.
