Used Suzuki SX4 S-Cross long term test: report 2
Is a nearly new Suzuki SX4 S-Cross the SUV bargain that it appears? We're living with one to find out...
The car 2021 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid SZ5 Allgrip auto Run by Kiall Garrett, senior videographer
Why it’s here Can a small, mild-hybrid SUV keep up with the practicality and fuel efficiency demands of a high-mileage driver?
Needs to Be frugal, even on the motorway, plus offer lots of space and good comfort
Mileage 4723 Price when new £29,899 Price when new with all options £30,399 Value on arrival £22,915 Value now £22,915 Official economy 45.2mpg Test economy 44.0mpg Options fitted Energetic Red paint (£500)
21 December 2021 – mild by name, mild by nature?
Who doesn’t want good fuel economy? Being a relatively high-mileage driver because of my job, it’s of primary concern to me.
There was a time when a person in my position would be best served by a diesel. Indeed, a few years ago you’d be mad to consider anything else. But things are clearly very different now, so does the “mild” hybrid setup of the Suzuki S-Cross suit my needs?
Well the quoted fuel economy for the S-Cross is a respectable 45.2mpg. So far I have managed to achieve 42.3mpg, which I would like to see improve over my time with the car. As the S-Cross is fairly efficient on the motorway and very efficient with the hybrid engine in town, I think the car will be able to perform better over time.
42mpg which is fairly similar to rivals like the Skoda Kamiq and Seat Arona, but I would definitely like to achieve closer to 45mpg if I can, so I can spend a little less time at the petrol station - especially with fuel prices only rising.
The S-Cross’ 1.4-litre petrol engine is assisted with a 48V mild hybrid system which is fairly punchy even with a 0-62mph time of 10.2sec it feels quick and responsive. No doubt due to the hybrid system, that also keeps it pleasantly hushed at low speeds. At higher speeds things are different though. Hard acceleration can make the engine sound pretty strained and coarse, but it’s the suspension which is more of an issue.
It just basically feels unsettled. It’s constantly jittering around and never really settles into a relaxed, cruising motorway manner. This isn’t an issue when driving from my house to see family on the weekends, but it is definitely more noticeable on sharp corners on country roads driving to shoots. It’s a pretty noisy interior at those speeds, too, with a fair bit of wind and road noise, so I’m well used to turning up the radio on motorway drives now.
But still, while the Suzuki S-Cross might not be a perfect motorway cruiser, it more than makes up for it in town, with its hushed and calm hybrid power.
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