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