Suzuki S-Cross Allgrip Hybrid (2022) Review

The 2022 Suzuki S-Cross Allgrip Hybrid is a compact SUV designed with practicality and everyday functionality in mind. It may not turn heads with its design, but it offers a solid balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency, making it an appealing option for drivers looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle both city streets and tougher terrain.

The Suzuki S-Cross ALLGRIP Hybrid is a practical and dependable SUV that offers a balanced combination of performance, efficiency, and functionality.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the S-Cross is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This combination delivers 129 PS, providing adequate power for everyday driving. The mild hybrid system helps boost fuel efficiency and aids with quick acceleration, without adding too much complexity. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 10.2 seconds, which is pretty average for its class, but the real highlight is how smoothly the power is delivered, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or during city driving.

While it’s not a performance vehicle, the S-Cross feels responsive and nimble, especially for its size. It handles well in urban environments, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces and congested streets. On highways, it’s stable, but its true strengths lie in the ease of handling and efficiency, rather than high-speed thrills.

Exterior and Design

The design of the Suzuki S-Cross might not stand out in a crowd, but it doesn’t offend either. Its styling is more functional than flashy, with clean lines and a somewhat understated appearance. Some might find it blends into the background compared to more aggressively styled competitors, but for many buyers, this may be a plus. It’s a car designed to get the job done without shouting about it.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 2022 S-Cross, the cabin is practical and well-thought-out. The layout is straightforward, with physical dials for climate controls and a traditional gear lever. These tactile features will appeal to drivers who appreciate simplicity and ease of use. The Ultra spec trim (priced around £31,000) includes a number of premium touches like a 360-degree camera, built-in navigation, and a large panoramic sunroof that bathes the interior in natural light. Even in lower trims, the S-Cross offers a generous level of equipment.

The seats in the Ultra spec are part leather and quite comfortable, with quality cloth material in the mix. However, the plastics used on the door panels and dashboard feel a little cheap, which is one of the car’s few downsides in terms of interior quality. In the back, there’s ample legroom, but taller passengers may find the headroom slightly cramped, especially with the panoramic sunroof installed.

Technology and Infotainment

The infotainment system in the S-Cross is functional but falls short of being the best in its class. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, and Bluetooth, but the touchscreen can feel a bit laggy. While it’s equipped with most of the technology you’d expect from a modern SUV, the absence of a physical volume knob and the system’s slow response may be frustrating for some users. However, connecting your smartphone largely resolves these issues, as using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto provides a more fluid experience.

Practicality and Boot Space

One of the standout features of the 2022 S-Cross is its practical boot space. With 430 litres of storage, it’s slightly smaller than some competitors, but its flexible design makes it easy to load larger items. The adjustable boot floor can be set to different levels, and when raised, there’s room underneath to stow the parcel shelf. This clever design feature makes the boot highly versatile, whether you're doing grocery shopping or packing for a weekend getaway.

In the rear, the S-Cross accommodates three adults fairly comfortably, though the middle seat passenger might find the raised floor and center console a bit intrusive. It’s also worth noting that the back seats lack air vents and USB charging ports, which could be a drawback for families or those who frequently travel with rear passengers.

Driving and All-Wheel Drive Capability

The S-Cross is equipped with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system, offering different drive modes including Snow, Sport, Auto, and Lock. This makes it a capable performer in various driving conditions, from wet roads to light off-roading. The ALLGRIP system enhances the car’s versatility, allowing it to switch between modes effortlessly depending on the terrain.

While it’s not a fast SUV, the S-Cross excels in providing a smooth and easy driving experience. The light steering makes it simple to park and maneuver, and the mild hybrid system contributes to both performance and fuel efficiency. In real-world driving, you can expect around 45 mpg, which is impressive for an all-wheel-drive SUV, especially one with an automatic transmission.

Safety Features

Suzuki has packed the S-Cross with a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation. These systems generally work well, although the forward collision warning can occasionally be overly sensitive, particularly when approaching parked cars at low speeds.

Final Verdict: A Practical, Reliable SUV

The 2022 Suzuki S-Cross ALLGRIP Hybrid isn’t trying to be the flashiest or most luxurious SUV on the market. Instead, it focuses on offering a practical, reliable, and easy-to-drive experience. While the interior could be a bit more refined and the infotainment system more responsive, the S-Cross makes up for it with excellent fuel efficiency, a smooth driving experience, and plenty of standard features.

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that prioritizes functionality over flair, the S-Cross is worth considering. It’s not the vehicle that will make you turn back for a second look after parking it, but as a daily driver that gets the job done with minimal fuss, it’s a solid choice.

Pros:

- Fuel-efficient hybrid system

- Smooth driving experience, especially in urban settings

- Versatile boot space

- Generous standard features across all trims

- ALLGRIP four-wheel-drive system for varied terrain

Cons:

- Interior plastics feel cheap

- Infotainment system can be slow and lacks a physical volume knob

- Tight headroom for taller passengers in the rear

- Lack of rear air vents and USB charging ports

In summary, the Suzuki S-Cross ALLGRIP Hybrid is a practical and dependable SUV that offers a balanced combination of performance, efficiency, and functionality. It's ideal for those seeking a reliable, everyday vehicle that can tackle city streets and occasional outdoor adventures with ease.

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