Suzuki S-Cross Plus 2024 Review

Suzuki doesn’t make any apologies when it comes to the entry-level S-Cross pricing.

However, the front-wheel drive 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus tested does stack up better against similarly kitted rivals such as the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen T-Roc.

The range starts with the base front-drive version tagged at $38,990 before ORCs, stepping up from there to the $40,990 AWD ALLGRIP and range-topping ALLGRIP Prestige at $44,490 before ORCs.

Although, any S-Cross costs a whole lot more than the flagship $30,490 (before ORCs) MG ZST Essence.

The 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus gains similar spec to the ALLGRIP Prestige with part-leather seat trim (front seats are heated, but manually adjusted), 360-degree parking cameras and 17-inch alloy wheels.

All S-Cross variants score dual-zone climate control, keyless start/entry, auto-dipping projector lens LED headlights, folding/heated external rear-view mirrors and tinted rear privacy glass.

The Suzuki S-Cross is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a capped-price servicing program sequenced at 12-month/10,000km intervals. The total cost after five years is $1985.

Given the 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus is an upper-spec model it comes with items such as lane-departure and blind-spot warning, seven airbags as well as front and rear parking sensors.

Other key active safety inclusions are high and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert and 360-degree parking cameras for all-round vision.

However, there’s no rear AEB or active lane-keep assist, no road-sign recognition, no driver-attention detection, no tyre-pressure sensors and no mention of pedestrian-avoidance technology.

The Suzuki S-Cross was given a five-star ANCAP rating in 2013, but with the safety authority’s tough new stance the latest model has yet to be tested and is currently unrated.

Again, the 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus is fitted out similarly to the flagship ALLGRIP Prestige.

This means there’s inbuilt sat-nav on the 9.0-inch tablet-style screen, wireless Apple CarPlay connection with wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, a solitary USB-A port in the front centre console and a 12-volt outlet in the centre bin.

The 360-degree parking camera can be activated when driving forward as well as in reverse.

The 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus continues with familiar Boosterjet engine found in the entire range.

It is a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and produces healthy figures of 103kW and 220Nm. This resembles a decent bump over the previous generation’s 86kW and 156Nm from its naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder.

In the S-Cross Plus, the 1373cc turbo unit drives just the front wheels through a conventional six-speed auto transmission (replacing the previously used CVT) and, partly with the help of a light 1260kg kerb weight, does an excellent job of it.

The S-Cross continues with a 1200kg towing capacity, which is average for the class and only suitable for lugging a small trailer.

Claimed combined fuel consumption is 5.9 L/100km for the 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus.

However, we couldn’t replicate that number on test, with our 6.7L/L100km recorded over a week’s driving in mixed conditions. It was close, though, and impressive given the manufacturer claim is already among the most economical in the class. The 47-litre fuel tank suggests a reasonable range exceeding 600km.

We weren’t exactly clear on Suzuki’s position on fuel requirements. The filler cap recommends a minimum premium-grade 95 RON unleaded, but the owner’s handbook says a 94 RON E10 petrol/ethanol mix is okay.

There’s an overall demeanour that feels almost Toyota-like with the 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus. And that’s not completely surprising when you consider the Japanese behemoth holds a small stake in Suzuki.

Still, the S-Cross Plus is well-balance, adequately swift, sufficiently smooth and fairly quiet on-road. Basically, it’s all relatively inoffensive.

The Boosterjet engine might be small on cubic capacity, but it punches above its weight with the 220Nm peak coming in from a lowish 1500rpm. Progress feels unstressed, a point no doubt helped by the lithe kerb weight.

This combination also helps the torque-converter six-speed automatic gearbox, which changes through its ratios comfortably when left to its own devices or via the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles are activated.

Ride quality is pleasant and on par with the small SUV segment due to the MacPherson struts up front and torsion-beam rear axle. The steering is quick enough, it requires three turns lock to lock, but is on the light side in terms of feel. With a well-modulated pedal, the ventilated /solid disc brakes offer reassuring confidence.

While the projector-lens LED headlights don’t dip automatically, they do offer a bright spread of illumination.

The Toyota allusions continue into the interior with the 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus – there’s a distinctly conservative vibe.

That association proves positive in terms of durability, with the Hungarian-built S-Cross feeling solid and employing just enough design flair to avoid dreariness. A mix of herringbone-style vinyl and part-leather seat cladding combines with discreet use of contrasting stitchwork and some soft-touch surfaces to give a satisfyingly cozy feel.

Just don’t expect anything too fancy, with the instrument cluster retaining a ‘conventional’ twin-dial layout, flanking a small digital screen instead of a full-size unit that is becoming commonplace.

Yes, the S-Cross might be a little more analogue, but some functionality issues hamper the overall experience. Inputting destinations through the in-built sat-nav can be a confusing task and the operation of the gear lever is compromised given it’s too easy to inadvertently slip past Drive and select Manual mode.

Where the S-Cross shines is as a passenger and luggage carrier. Rear-seat legroom is notably generous and the boot space is rather commodious for the class at 430 litres. That figure expands to 1230 litres with the rear 60/40-split seats folded. Further expanding practicality is the twin-level boot which is divided by a removable floor and conceals a handy refuge for valuables.

The Suzuki’s back-seat passengers are not provided with air vents (admittedly the class norm), while the upper attachment for the centre seatbelt is mounted somewhat clumsily in the roof. A surprise is the lack of roof rails, which aren’t even an option.

Historically low sales figures don’t fully reflect the reality of the 2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus.

The S-Cross is no longer a spring chicken and in some areas it shows with key safety kit left wanting. And while the sticker price of the Plus stacks up to its rivals, it’s hardly a bargain.

Yet, the Boosterjet engine provides perky performance, the cabin is spacious and there’s an overall sense of pragmatism that creates a do-it-all small SUV.

The Suzuki S-Cross Plus might border on unpretentious, but there’s enough substance to make it a worthwhile choice in the small SUV segment. It’s an easy car to like.

2024 Suzuki S-Cross Plus at a glance:
Price: $41,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 103kW/220Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined or WLTP if overseas model)
CO2: 118g/km (ADR Combined or WLTP if overseas model)
Safety rating: Not rated

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