This is a brand new variant for the S-Cross and it is a full hybrid.
Interestingly, in the near future it is not destined to be rebadged as a Maruti for the Indian car buyer to enjoy, wonder why?
Does this also mean it could arrive here in Malaysia under Naza Eastern to be sold side by side with the Swift and Jimny?
The S-Cross has earned high acclaim for its stylish design, compact and easy to manage dimensions and good on-road performance. The previous S-Cross was launched in Malaysia in November 2014 and it carried a high selling price of RM129,888 as it was a fully imported vehicle. Sales were very slow and today you hardly see any on our roads.
It was replaced in late 2021 by an all-new model which takes advantage of Suzuki’s long-established expertise in packaging vehicles with an even higher level of safety equipment and latest technology all as standard.
Unlike the Suzuki Swace, which is a rebadged Toyota Corolla Estate, this new S-Cross is a Suzuki produced vehicle.
The Full Hybrid version with AGS (Auto Gear Shift) is now on sale and Mild Hybrid models continue to be available with manual transmission only.
Meanwhile, standard equipment includes 17-inch painted alloy wheels, three signature LED projector headlamps for low and high beam, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Plus, there is Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start, dual zone auto air conditioning, 7 inch display screen, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera and seven airbags.
Moving up to the ‘Ultra’ variant adds ALLGRIP Select four-wheel drive, 17-inch polished alloy wheels, leather seat upholstery, integrated on-board navigation with 9-inch screen, panoramic sliding sunroof and further driver safety and convenience with the fitment of a 360 view camera.
This S-Cross for Europe is available in a total of six different shades of which one is a solid colour and all others are metallic finish.
The 1.5-litre (K15C) engine is fitted to both model grades and was initially introduced on the Vitara Full Hybrid model earlier in 2022.
The higher-powered Suzuki Hybrid system consists of a 140V lithium-ion battery and inverter, Motor Generator Unit (known as MGU), a 12V lithium-ion battery as well as a conventional 12V lead-acid battery to power components requiring lower voltage such as lights, instruments and heating / air conditioning.
The full Hybrid system has two switchable modes which are Eco and Standard. One switch enables the driver to change between the two modes depending on conditions and also increases the frequency of EV driving.
In Standard mode operation, the MGU more frequently assists the petrol engine to allow more spirited driving enjoyment.
The Suzuki S-Cross Full Hybrid is equipped as standard with Auto Gear Shift (AGS) that automatically shifts the manual transmission with gear ratios optimised to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy.
This enables the driver to enjoy both the direct driving experience of a manual gearbox and the shifting ease of an Automatic Transmission. Another key advantage is lower component weight versus a conventional torque converter type Automatic. The transmission also has a manual mode with steering wheel mounted shift paddles.
Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘Select’ system is fitted as standard for the Ultra grade and incorporates four driver-selectable modes for safe, enjoyable driving on diverse surfaces. It debuted in the S-Cross model at first launch and has proved very successful. rear wheels before any slippage The system has four driver-selectable modes which are Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock.