Compact SUV Award for 2022 - Suzuki S-Cross
4 January, 2023
Suzuki NZ article
Suzuki S-Cross Turbo is the Compact SUV of the Year 2022
The new Suzuki S-Cross Turbo has been named Compact SUV of the Year 2022 by New Zealand Company Vehicle magazine.
High praise has been heaped on the new model by the publication which says that the car appeals to a broader market and, in its premium JLX trim with all-wheel-drive, delivers the perfect balance for the Kiwi lifestyle.
To be recognised as a NZ Company Vehicle Car of the Year contender, a vehicle must meet a robust judging criteria of ten points in ten categories. Adrenalin Publishing, which produces the magazine, says the publication reaches key people in fleet buying and management, and that company buying accounts for a huge 80 percent of new vehicle sales in New Zealand.
NZ Company Vehicle said Suzuki had exceeded expectations with the new generation S-Cross, redefining the model and adding advanced electronics, enhanced safety equipment and contemporary features, many of which will appeal to the modern motorist.
The publication said the S-Cross benefits from seven airbags, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. In addition, all models have a reversing camera which is supplemented by a 360 degree view on the top-of-the-line model.
Not only is the latest five-door S-Cross the largest model in the Suzuki range with an overall length of 4,300 mm, it is also the most highly specified car to be introduced by the brand.
“The younger focused S-Cross gains a more mature level of sophistication, stepping it away from Vitara, but keeping it in tune with Suzuki’s SUV family,” said the magazine. “Suzuki’s All Grip AWD system might be considered a soft road option for a soft road SUV, but it actually delivers the goods.”
Top-quality features
NZ Company Vehicle points out Suzuki invested heavily in new body sheet metal, door skins, bumpers and lighting and highlighted the multi-mode selector for the all wheel drive system with its choice of auto, sport, snow and 4WD lock modes. Judges liked the simple to use dial-up system to give four distinct driving modes.
All three versions of the S-Cross available in New Zealand come with the lively and efficient 103 kW turbocharged Boosterjet engine that has been proven in the popular Vitara SUV and Swift Sport. The range opens with the $36,990 1.4T JX two wheel drive model while the higher specification 1.4T JLX two wheel drive retails at $39,990 and the flagship 1.4T JLX AWD is $41,990.
Internationally, the new S-Cross has earned high acclaim for its stylish design, compact and easy to manage dimensions, good on-road performance, as well as off-road capability with the optional Allgrip 4WD. As the flagship model range for Suzuki, the S-Cross incorporates a high level of safety equipment and creature comforts including heated front seats and dual zone air conditioning across the model range. Interior passenger and luggage space is also a strong point being comparable with larger, more expensive models in the market.
The car has a bold and more muscular design than its predecessor, enhancing its presence with larger and more angular wheel arches and smooth flowing lines. Newly designed three LED position headlamps help portray a high centre of gravity and this theme continues at the rear with larger combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish to emphasise a sense of width.
SPECIFICATIONS
Available in a choice of seven body colours, including Cosmic Black Pearl which is exclusive to the JLX versions, the new S-Cross is produced at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary which also manufactures Vitara models. Like other Suzuki models, the new S-Cross includes a three year, 100,000 km comprehensive warranty, a five year, 100,000 km powertrain warranty and five years of roadside assistance.