Suzuki launch three new and updated model lines with the all new S-Cross, the Toyota collab Swace estate and the long running n gunning Vitara.
The S-Cross is a brand new model for Suzuki, it’s up against the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon.
The all new exterior design with an suv theme, includes enhanced safety equipment and increased interior space. The 48V mild hybrid is standard as well as lots of standard equipment throughout the range. There’s around 430 L of luggage capacity. and 1.4 turbo petrol engine with 129 HP to move it all.
S-Cross 48V Hybrid starts at €29,365 and features a 1.4-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine (Boosterjet) producing 127bhp and goes from 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds. The mild-hybrid ensures the S-Cross achieves decent economy and the four-wheel-drive cars using the AllGrip system should only reduce fuel economy slightly.
The Vitara hybrid starts at €26,535 and is available with the brand’s ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system, so there’s no loss of choice or off-road ability should you wish to explore the Full Hybrid route in the range.
The electrification is milder than some full hybrids, limited to 140v, whereas petrol-electric compact SUVs such as the Toyota Yaris Cross can muster 580v from the tech. Combined with a small battery, it means the boost you get to reduce the load on the petrol engine is small. It’s not fast as a result, with the 0-100 km/h sprint taking 12.7 seconds, not helped by the transmission’s slow changes.
It’s mated to a six-speed automated manual gearbox which seems an odd choice in 2022, but the electric motor’s torque sustains forward momentum during gear changes, making for smoother driving.
Its range is 100 per cent electrified with every model featuring some form of electrical assistance – and replacing the automatic version of the Vitara Mild Hybrid, for this Vitara Full Hybrid Suzuki has developed its own set-up, combining a new 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 33bhp electric motor fed by a compact 0.84kWh battery for a total output of 113bhp.
The regenerative braking from the tech is a welcome benefit. Rev the engine hard and the naturally aspirated unit does sound a little coarse, but take a more relaxed approach and select Eco mode and the Vitara Full Hybrid counters this with its electrification making it more refined.
The steering is light and positive, like any Vitara, and the car feels agile, together and solid. The ride is acceptable too. You notice big bumps but aren’t shocked drastically by them, while body control is on the softer side for extra comfort.
The dash design is simple and functional but could do with a little more flair; it’s basically the same as when this fourth-generation Vitara was revealed in 2015, which means the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system’s graphics and responses could be snappier.
All Full Hybrid Vitaras feature LED headlights, keyless operation, a rear camera, the aforementioned touchscreen with built-in nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which are better choices than the standard interface), 17-inch alloys, climate control and plenty of safety tech.
Suzuki Swace
The new Suzuki Swace joins the recently unveiled S-Cross SUV in the latest line-up of Toyota-based cars which rival Skoda’s Octavia, Ford Focus Estate and VW’s Golf Estate.
The Swace’s hybrid powertrain has been directly taken from the Corolla. The least powerful engine comes as a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol with a CVT gearbox and a 71bhp electric motor, a combined output of 120bhp.
Suzuki says the Swace’s powertrain will return 64.2mpg on the WLTP combined cycle but with a 0-100km-h of 11.1s. Because of this, theCO2 emissions are reduced with a claimed figure of 99g/km. It carries 596 litres of luggage space or 1,232 litres with the rear seats folded.
The 1.8 litre petrol engine has a C02 rating of 103g/km with road tax at€190. SZT model comes with lots of standard equipment at €30,995. The only options available are the colour of the paint.
Standard features include heated front seats, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, two-zone air conditioning and seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Spec up and you can add a 360-degree camera, leather seats, bigger screen with nav and a panoramic sunroof.