Suzuki S-Cross goes turbo, upmarket

Suzuki Australia has repositioned its small S-Cross crossover as part of a midlife makeover that brings the company's new 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine as standard across the range.

Replacing the same naturally-aspirated 86kW/156Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that has powered all S-Cross models here since December 2013, the new 103kW/220Nm Boosterjet engine debuted here in the Vitara S-Turbo.

Hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard -- instead of its predecessor's CVT auto — it reduces claimed fuel consumption to 5.9L/100km.

As such, MY2017 S-Cross pricing moves significantly upstream, from $21,990 plus on-road costs for the old GL 2WD 1.6, to $27,990 plus ORCs or $28,990 drive-away.

That represents a $6000 price hike at base level, and now positions the S-Cross well above both the Jimny 4x4 (from $20,990), the Vitara (from $21,990 for the base 1.6 2WD) and even base manual versions of the mid-size Grand Vitara (from $25,990 for the three-door and $27,490 for the cheapest 2WD five-door).

Fresh from launching the Baleno small car in August, Suzuki will further bolster its SUV line-up with the Ignis mini-SUV in January, and a new Swift light hatch is due to appear next year.

An up-spec version of the upgraded S-Cross Turbo – dubbed the Prestige – is priced $2000 higher at $29,990 plus ORCs or $30,990 drive-away.

Design changes for the facelift includes a distinctive new vertical grille, clamshell bonnet, protruding headlights, chunky bumper and revised tail-lights.

Inside, there's Suzuki's latest infotainment system matched with a 7.0-inch display with satellite-navigation and Apple CarPlay as standard across the range, plus cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB input, reversing, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate-control and privacy glass.

The S-Cross Turbo Prestige adds polished 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rear parking sensors and leather seat trim. Cargo space continues unchanged at a sizeable 430 litres.

As per the Baleno, just four paint colours are on offer – Cool White, Silky Silver, Galactic Grey and Indigo Blue – with all but white being an extra-cost metallic hue.

"Now with turbo across the range, the new S-Cross Turbo provides outstanding performance and amazing fuel economy," said Suzuki Australia General Manager Automobiles, Andrew Moore.

"With the immense popularity of the Vitara S Turbo, we know customers will now see the S-Cross Turbo as a great crossover option.

"With Vitara, S-Cross Turbo and the new Ignis light SUV landing next year, Suzuki will have the biggest array of options for any customer looking to move into a small SUV.

"Whether it be owners of light or small hatches, or empty nesters looking to downsize into a smaller but spacious SUV, Suzuki will have the best small SUV range to test drive."

2017 Suzuki S-Cross pricing (plus ORCs):
S-Cross Turbo — $27,990
S-Cross Turbo Prestige — $29,990