The renewal and expansion of the Suzuki range continues from “wind in stern” and after the Across and Swace, the Japanese brand has now unveiled the second generation of the Suzuki S-Cross.
Unlike the Across and Swace that result from the partnership between Suzuki and Toyota, the S-Cross is a “100% Suzuki” product, but it hasn't given up on the increasingly mandatory electrification.
This electrification will initially be carried out with a mild-hybrid engine inherited from the predecessor, but from the second half of 2022, the S-Cross offer will be reinforced with the launch of a conventional hybrid variant that Suzuki calls Strong Hybrid ( but Vitara will be the first to receive it).
But for now, it will be up to the mild-hybrid 48 V powertrain, also used by the Swift Sport, to drive the new S-Cross. This combines the K14D, the 1.4 l turbo in-line four-cylinder (129 hp at 5500 rpm and 235 Nm between 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm), with a 10 kW electric motor (14 hp).
The transmission is carried out either through a manual or an automatic transmission, both with six speeds. Regardless of the gearbox, traction can be on the front wheels or on all four wheels, using the AllGrip system.
The Strong Hybrid System
The forthcoming Strong Hybrid variant of the Suzuki S-Cross will combine a new internal combustion engine with an electric motor-generator (MGU) and a new robotic (semi-automatic) gearbox called the Auto Gear Shift (AGS). A “marriage” that will allow, in addition to hybrid conduction, also electric conduction (inactive combustion engine).
This new Strong Hybrid system stands out for its positioning of the electric motor-generator at the end of the AGS — it automatically operates the manual gearbox and manages the clutch — which makes it possible to directly transmit the power from the electric motor-generator to the transmission shaft.
The engine-generator will have features such as torque fill, that is, it "fills" the torque gap during gear changes, so that they are as smooth as possible. In addition, it also helps to recover kinetic energy and convert it into electrical energy during deceleration, turning off the combustion engine and disengaging the clutch.
Technology on the rise
With a look in line with the latest Suzuki proposals, the new S-Cross stands out for its piano-black front grille, LED headlights and several silver details. At the rear, the S-Cross adhered to the "fashion" of joining the headlamps, here using a black bar.
Inside, the lines are considerably more modern, with the infotainment system's 9” screen being repositioned on top of the center console. As for connectivity, the new S-Cross has the “mandatory” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Finally, the trunk offers an interesting 430 liters of capacity.
When arrives?
The new Suzuki S-Cross will be produced at the Magyar Suzuki factory in Hungary and sales are due to start later this year. In addition to Europe, S-Cross will be marketed in Latin America, Oceania and Asia.
At the moment, data on the range and prices for Portugal have not yet been provided.