New Suzuki S-Cross breaks cover

Suzuki has officially revealed its third-generation 2022 Suzuki S-Cross that should prove a more formidable rival to other small SUVs like the Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V.

Confirmed for launch in Australia in 2022, the Hungarian-built SUV remains based on the previous S-Cross' Suzuki Global C platform but turns up with a far bolder look, improved in-car tech and revised mild-hybrid power.

Beginning with its styling, Suzuki's designers have attempted to give the S-Cross more overt SUV looks, with a raised bonnet, larger grille and a pair of new LED headlights.

There's also a set of roof rails, tougher-looking wheel-arch cladding, new rear tailgate spoiler and a set of new tail-lights.

Despite packing more visual punch, the new S-Cross is no bigger, measuring in at 4300mm long, 1785mm wide and 1593mm tall.

That makes it fractionally smaller than the incoming new 2022 Nissan QASHQAI, but keeps it planted firmly in the small SUV class.

Inside, the cabin has been completely overhauled and now a large 9.0-inch touch-screen sits pride of place within the centre of the dash.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been incorporated and are standard on all models, along with keyless entry and dual-zone climate control.

A smaller 7.0-inch system will be offered in base models.

New driver assist tech introduced on the new S-Cross include traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

Other safety features on board include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and prevention, 'weaving alert' and rear cross traffic alert.

Leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera will also be available on high-spec models.

Under the bonnet, there's a 1.4-litre Boosterjet four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 95kW and 235Nm of torque, and is boosted by a further 10kW/50Nm thanks to the Japanese car-maker's 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

Available with two- or all-wheel drive, the S-Cross is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in just 9.5 seconds, with the all-wheel drive version taking 10.2sec for the same sprint. Both have a 195km/h top speed.

There's also the choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The most efficient versions of the S-Cross are claimed to average a WLTP-verified 5.3L/100km, while emitting 120g/km of CO2.

Australian specs and pricing are still to be released, but Suzuki says "the global release identifies opportunities for features that would welcome locally".

"With the launch of the all-new S-Cross and its potential long list of upgraded features and specifications on safety, driver convenience and class-leading value, there is no doubt we will continue to increase our presence in the growing SUV market,” said Suzuki Australia’s general manager (automobile), Michael Pachota.