Suzuki S-Cross price shock

The new 2022 Suzuki S-Cross has begun rolling into showrooms across Australia, bringing fresh looks, improved equipment and standard all-wheel drive – but a starting price that’s $10,000 higher than before.

Billed as a new-generation model but really only standing as a major facelift, the small SUV range now opens with the Suzuki S-Cross Allgrip at $40,490 plus on-road costs.

That compares to $30,490 plus ORCs for the previous two-wheel drive S-Cross with the same powertrain.

At the top of the new range is the Suzuki S-Cross Allgrip Prestige at $44,490 plus ORCs, which represents a whopping $12,500 increase over its predecessor, the 2WD S-Cross Prestige that was last priced at $31,990 plus ORCs before being discontinued last year.

Despite the mega price rises, Suzuki executives say the new S-Cross is appropriately positioned against its rivals, such as the Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos and MG ZS.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the pricing on this vehicle is competitive in its segment versus competitors,” said Suzuki Australia Automotive general manager, Michael Pachota.

“We’ve done the analysis and to say anything about the previous model would be going back in time.

“For example, what does an iPhone cost now versus an iPhone back then? If you look at the percentage increase [28 per cent], it’s almost relative.

“With FOB [free on board] prices and so forth and different shipping costs, all of our product prices went up substantially,” he added, referring to the range-wide price hike that took place on September 1, 2022.

“So, relatively, although it looks like a huge price hike from the previous model – which was a different-specification car as well, 2WD not all-wheel drive and other bits and pieces – you’re looking at something that’s [priced] relative to market.”

Check out our launch review of the new Suzuki S-Cross that details equipment levels across the range, and how that compares to its rivals.

The latest S-Cross is also built on the same platform as its predecessor, and although it’s 5mm longer than before (at 4305mm), it otherwise has the same dimensions including a 2800mm wheelbase.

Boot space remains at 430 litres (with the rear seats upright), while the sole powertrain is a carryover 103kW/220Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine.

“If you look at the entire car, we would say it’d be a major facelift,” admitted Pachota, who didn’t rule out the introduction of a more affordable 2WD version.

“If that [2WD] would be available for our market, we’d definitely put a hand up for it. I think that there will be sufficient demand to drive its introduction somewhere down the track, so it’s just a matter of when, basically.”

Even with the higher pricing, the new Suzuki S-Cross is expected to be a ‘sell-out’ given that it’s likely there’ll be less than 100 vehicles available in Australia per month until early next year.

“We’ve secured about 600 vehicles between now and the end of March [2023], and that could go up or down,” said Pachota, citing manufacturing and shipping challenges.

The Suzuki S-Cross will be available in six colours – Cool White Pearl, Energetic Red Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Cosmic Black Metallic, Titan Dark Grey Metallic and Sphere Blue Metallic.

It’s backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five years’ roadside assist thrown in too.

How much does the 2022 Suzuki S-Cross cost?
Allgrip – $40,490
Allgrip Prestige – $44,490

* Prices exclude on-road costs

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