New-Gen Suzuki S-Cross Breaks Cover, Looks More SUV-ish Than Before

• Design changes include a more upright stance, new headlights, connected tail lamps, and a menacing-looking front grille.

• The cabin is similar to the current model except for the larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and updated MID graphics.

• Gets ADAS including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control.

• Powered by a 129PS 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

• India-spec model should continue with a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

• India launch expected in 2022. 

It was spotted just 10 days ago, and now Suzuki has taken the wraps off the next-generation S-Cross in Europe. It's the first time the nameplate has received a proper generation update, and it looks meaner and more aggressive than its predecessor.

Looking at it, you'd feel the new S-Cross has veered from the existing model's crossover-ish styling to seem more like an SUV, especially with that upright front and rear profile. The (considerably) more upright nose, new in-your-face grille, and chunky LED headlights lend the new S-Cross a menacing appearance. The front grille ditches the earlier slat setup to get a mesh pattern now.

The protruding connected LED tail lamps and the bumper (with the thick cladding) seem to have accentuated the S-Cross' stance. Completing the changes on the outside are the new wheels.

The cabin, surprisingly, has remained more or less the same. The different graphics for the MID aside, the only other noticeable difference is the larger (and now floating) 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This means the central AC vents have moved below it. As of now, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof are the confirmed features onboard the new-gen S-Cross.

Taking care of passenger safety is a 360-degree camera, rear cross traffic alert, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which comprise autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control. 

Powering the new S-Cross is a 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine, paired to a 48v mild-hybrid system, delivering 129PS and 235Nm to all four wheels, with different drive modes. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox. The carmaker has also confirmed a ‘strong hybrid’ for next year with an AMT gearbox. The India-spec model should retain its 1.5-litre petrol engine that powers the front wheels.  

 

We’re yet to know when the new-gen Suzuki S-Cross will make it to India, but we expect it to happen sometime in 2022 at prices starting from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It will be an alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, and MG Astor.