Suzuki Launches Mild Hybrid-equipped S-Cross In Singapore

When we think of Suzuki, effective, efficient and sometimes quirky comes to mind. The dynamically sorted Swift, funky Ignis and quirky Jimny supply a fleet of competent cars for most use cases. But it’s a pity that sky-high COE prices have made them less attainable. In steps the S-Cross SUV. Priced at S$177,900 with COE, has it got what it takes to munch a sizable share off the highly competitive SUV pie?

“We are excited to unveil the new Suzuki S-Cross that aims to provide our customers with a powerful, comfortable, and reliable driving experience. With the new features, our customers can expect the new model to address their different lifestyle needs and preferences while enjoying a high quality ride for both drivers and passengers. This has always been the inspiration and drive behind the Suzuki name - to make driving fun and compelling for all. I believe that the S-Cross is a representation of that and we excitedly wait in anticipation for more to come from Suzuki,” said Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Inchcape Singapore and Greater China.

On the outside, the front features a large piano black grille and LED headlamps, each equipped with three LED position lamps. They are complemented by 17-inch rims Suzuki deem as, we quote, “rugged and bold” to deliver “a strong first impression that lasts anywhere it goes”.

The interior offers a 9-inch central display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Suzuki did not stinge on creature comforts and safety features, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, both telescopic and tilt adjustable steering (very important in our books!), dual zone climate control, cameras with full 360-degree views and adaptive cruise control. There’s 440 litres worth of flexible luggage space, and the rear seats fold down in a 60:40 ratio.

Combination of a 48-volt mild hybrid, 1.4-litre force-fed motor and 6-speed automatic transmission churns out 127bhp and 235Nm - healthy figures, and more significantly it slots in at just under 130bhp to be Cat A-eligible.

Claimed combined fuel efficiency is 17.5km/l, which means on paper you can squeeze out slightly more than 800km per fill with its 47-litre tank. Notable mention goes to its kerbweight - at 1,240kg, it's considered light for a SUV, in an era where a MINI Electric compact hatch tips the scales at 1,770kg.

If the S-Cross moniker doesn’t sound too familiar to you, the SX4 name might just bring back some memories. The first-gen SX4 was marketed as a hatchback in Singapore, and was a common sight in the mid to late noughties thanks to COE premiums tagged at less absurd levels. A sedan version of the SX4 was also sold, and you can even grab one now at less than 10 grand depreciation per year.

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