Review: Suzuki JY.I S-Cross (2013-16)

Overview

Released in Australia in December 2013, the Suzuki JY Series I (JY.I) S-Cross was a compact SUV. Manufactured in Hungary, the S-Cross was powered by 1.6-litre petrol engines and offered in front- and all-wheel drive models; transmission options consisted of five-speed manual or continuously variable units.

M16A engine

The 1.6-litre M16A four-cylinder petrol engine had an alloy block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (VVT) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1.

Suzuki JY.I S-Cross specifications
Variant	Engine	Drive	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
GL	1.6-litre petrol I4	FWD	5sp man., CVT	86 kW at 6000 rpm	156 Nm at 4400 rpm
GLX	1.6-litre petrol I4	FWD	7sp CVT	86 kW at 6000 rpm	156 Nm at 4400 rpm
GLX	1.6-litre petrol I4	AWD	7sp CVT	86 kW at 6000 rpm	156 Nm at 4400 rpm
GLX Prestige	1.6-litre petrol I4	AWD	7sp CVT	86 kW at 6000 rpm	156 Nm at 4400 rpm

All-wheel drive system

The all-wheel drive system for the Suzuki S-Cross utilised an electronically-controlled, multi-plate clutch coupling that enabled the driver to select from four driving modes:

Auto: drove the front wheels by default to reduce fuel consumption, but the clutch coupling would engage to provide all-wheel drive if wheel spin was detected;
Sport: engaged AWD in response to throttle inputs and, at low- and mid-range engine speeds, Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity for greater response;
Snow: used AWD by default with reference to steering and accelerator inputs; and,
Lock: provided a fixed 50:50 front:rear torque split for extricating the vehicle from snow, mud or sand.

Dimensions

The Suzuki S-Cross was 4300 mm long, 1765 mm wide, 1580 mm tall (1575 mm for GLX variants) and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase, while ground clearance was 170 mm. Inside, cargo capacity was be 430 litres with the rear seat in position, though this increased to 875 litres when the rear seats were folded down.

Suspension and steering

The Suzuki S-Cross had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. Furthermore, the S-Cross had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Suzuki S-Cross included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Suzuki S-Cross (or SX4 as it is sold in Europe) received a five star safety rating which included a 92 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 80 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the front occupants’ heads and upper legs were rated as good; chest protection and lower leg protection, however, were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test; in the more severe pole test, however, chest and abdomen protection were rated as adequate.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.3 out of 37.

Features: Suzuki S-Cross GL

Standard features for the Suzuki S-Cross GL included 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/60 R16 tyres, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, USB input and Bluetooth connectivity (including audio streaming), air conditioning, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, a cargo cover, immobiliser and black roof rails.

Features: Suzuki S-Cross GLX

Compared to the S-Cross GL, the S-Cross GLX was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 R17 tyres, a seven speaker sound system with an additional auxiliary input, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a satellite navigation system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, HID headlights, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, proximity key, push-button start, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and silver roof rails.

Features: Suzuki S-Cross Prestige

The range-topping Suzuki S-Cross GLX Prestige was distinguished by its leather interior and panoramic sunroof which consisted of two sliding glass panels. The glass panels had a combined length of 1000 mm and, when opened, provided a cabin opening 560 mm long.

Brochure

Brochure: Suzuki JY S-Cross (November 2013)

Review: Suzuki JY.II S-Cross (2016-on)