Suzuki Sx4 S-Cross

Whether it be trim specification, engine power or the very dimensions of car, most of us tend to opt for an inbetween purchase.

That’s one of the reasons why the so-called crossover models have become so popular. They’re neither full-blown 4x4s nor what we might call regular cars. Rather, they sit very nicely between the two.

Now Suzuki, master of small car manufacturing and equally adept with 4x4 vehicles, has produced its first crossover, the SX4 S-Cross.

Keen to turn up the heat on its closest rivals, Suzuki is going after the likes of Nissan’s all-conquering Qashqai with this successor to its SX4 elevated hatchback.

Now the original SX4 was no bad thing, but probably too small for most 4x4 tastes.

Making the switch from what was basically a high-rise hatch with added grip to full-blown compact SUV was, in light of the rapid growth in the compact SUV market, an easy decision for Suzuki to take.

This latest SX4 has grown in size to become a family holdall and boasts enough boot space to cope with most situations.

What’s more, prices start at only £14,999, which is unusually low for an SUV, although at the top end you will be asked to fork out more than £20,000.

In a departure from Suzuki’s past approach to equipping its cars, this SX4 S-Cross is the first to offer a built-in satellite-navigation system and DAB digital radio in higher grade versions. There’s also a fulllength double sliding panoramic sunroof on selected models – a clever lifestyle touch that’s a worldfirst.

Beneath the S-Cross’s streamlined exterior and five-seat layout, buyers can choose between 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, both outputting 120bhp. In regular front-wheel drive trim the cars emit 127g/km and 110g/km CO2 respectively. And it’s as a result of the low diesel CO2 figure that Suzuki hopes to attract more than a few company car users.

Adding a few grammes of CO2 is the SX4’s four-wheel drive option, Allgrip, which is a user-friendly system offering an auto mode alongside a sport and winter setting.

There’s a CVT auto gearbox option for the petrol variant, too.

Regardless of engine or gearbox choice, out on the road the S-Cross displays all the usual Suzuki trademarks. You immediately feel comfortable behind the wheel, and the cabin feels like it has been well thought out. No skimping on the materials, either.

I tried out the SZ5 top-spec petrol Allgrip version, which brings leather upholstery and heated seats to the party, but even in entry-level SZ3 trim you get an impressive list of features.

Standard equipment includes seven airbags, daytime running lights, 16- inch alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter, air-conditioning, heated door mirrors, skid plates and wheel arch extensions.

Further up the chain comes bigger wheels, fog lamps, Bluetooth connectivity rear parking camera and sensors and LED daytime lights.

Thanks to the S-Cross's elevated ride height, there’s good all-round visibility, yet the DNA is more carlike than other offerings in this sector. It feels quite agile, particularly in sport mode, and not at all imposing. Key to this performance is the use of hightensile steel in much of the body.

I found myself thinking that the handling did not seem far removed from that of Suzuki’s Swift hatchback, and further investigation led me to discover that the handling was indeed derived from the Swift.

The words nimble and SUV are not natural bed partners, yet there is a certain nimblessness here and lightness in the steering that will be warmly welcomed by anyone thinking of switching from hatchback to crossover.

It’s a comfortable ride, developed on UK roads, and I found myself barely troubled by the vagaries of rougher roads.

On a practical level, there’s no shortage of boot space – 430 litres or 875 litres with the rear seats down.

With four generously equipped trim levels to choose from, Suzuki isn’t holding back in its bid to steal sales from its rivals.

Factor in the car’s intelligent allwheel drive system, low CO2 diesel performance, an auto gearbox option plus a roomy, tastefully appointed and robust cabin and you’ve got all the hallmarks of a flexible family holdall, a low cost company car or even an affordable Motability option.

Fuel economy figures are impressive. Diesel versions will return an average 67.2mpg (64.2 with Allgrip), while petrol models give 51.3mpg (47.8 Allgrip).

Suzuki is aiming at the middle ground with the confidence of a company that is enjoying a huge rise in sales and planning to offer much, much more over the next few years.

The S-Cross is as much a statement of intent as it is a very good new entrant in this increasingly crowded sector.

Fact file

Suzuki Sx4 S-Cross

PRICE: £14,999 to £23,549 Test vehicle: SZ5 All Grip (£21,549)

ENGINE: Four-cylinder 1.6- litre petrol producing 120PS

TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual

PERFORMANCE: 0 to 62mph in 12.0 seconds; top speed 108mph

ECONOMY: 35g/km

CO2 RATING: 135g/km