The new Suzuki S-Cross is now the SUV it should have been from the start. While its predecessor was very reliable, its timid appearance let it down.

The new model makes a stronger visual statement featuring a bold and more muscular design that enhances its road presence with larger and more angular wheel arches and smooth-flowing lines.

The front-end design incorporates a raised bonnet line, piano black front grille and new design three LED position headlamps that help give the impression of a high centre of gravity.

This theme continues at the rear with larger combination lamps that integrate horizontally with the rear centre garnish to emphasise a sense of width, in addition to roof rails and an integrated rear spoiler.

This new design is complemented by a more spacious and versatile interior and an even higher standard and safety specification than the previous model.

The manufacturer recently formed an alliance with fellow Japanese carmaker Toyota. While Toyota input is very evident in the new Suzuki Swace estate, the detail of design on both the exterior and interior of the S-Cross also has noticeable cues from its larger compatriot.

Powered by a 1.4 litre petrol and 48V mild hybrid technology, with manual or automatic transmissions, the stylish SUV is offered in two grades: Motion and Ultra. Available with either two-wheel or AllGrip drive modes, I took delivery of a front wheel-drive manual version in Motion trim over the course of a week’s test drive.

The latest S-Cross sits on 17” alloy wheels and my car was painted a lovely Sphere Blue metallic colour. It is a substantial SUV that proved very spacious on the inside. Offering 430-665 litres of luggage space, it’s only when you take into account the size and versatility of the car and its specification that it suddenly dawns on you that this car actually represents marvellous value.

With a more advanced 7” infotainment system that proved easy to use, Suzuki has shown its generous side when it comes to fitting standard equipment. Standard specification on all models includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone link, keyless entry and start, dual-zone auto air conditioning, heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors.

Safety spec across the board includes seven airbags, dual sensor brake support automated braking, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, speed limiter, electronic stability programme and lane departure warning/lane departure prevention.

Blend all this into a comfortable, well-appointed cabin where it is possible to find that desired driving position easily (because of the many seat and steering wheel adjustments), and you’ll sense a growing bond becoming evident between car and driver.

Powered by a 1.4 litre Boosterjet petrol engine and 48-volt mild hybrid technology, I must admit I was impressed with this power system. With its basic principles taken from Suzuki’s previous 12V hybrid system pioneered in 2016 on the Ignis and Swift models, the powertrain for the new S-Cross is lightweight in design and its components add less than 15kg to the overall weight, Suzuki claims.

Certainly, it is lighter than many plug-in hybrids. The Suzuki system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, integrated starter generator (known as ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC converter) to power components requiring lower voltage, such as lights, radio and air conditioning.

The ISG, which acts as a generator and starter motor, is belt-driven and assists the petrol engine in producing more torque during take off. The lithium battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle stop function.

Helping to boost acceleration upon request and eliminating fuel consumption when idling by replacing fuel injection by the electric motor, this mild hybrid system on the S-Cross certainly helped the car return combined fuel returns of 5.3 l/100km (53mpg), figures in line with what Suzuki claims.

This car offers good comfort levels and dependable handling abilities. The engine, allied to its precise six-speed manual gearbox, produces 127bhp, covers 0-100km in 9.5 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 188km/h.

Overall, this car is a safe bet if ever there was one.

It’s priced at €29,740, and comes with a 100,000km or three-year warranty.

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