Compact Crossover of the Year
Suzuki S-Cross Mild Hybrid
The Suzuki S-Cross comes with an upright front grille and chunky wheel arches, while in the cabin, there's a 9.0-inch touchscreen, all of which are sure to appeal to those looking for an adventure-ready vehicle. And its drivetrain is keen on delivering excitement as well: Its 1.4-litre engine delivers peppy acceleration all the way to highway speeds. For those looking for a zero-shock family crossover, the S-Cross is sure to charm.
Special Features
Reviews
 
The S-Cross adds a new crossover to Suzuki's local lineup that should cater to fans of the brand with growing children. But is it a good pick?
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It's back, finally. Remember the Kizashi? Finally, there's a Suzuki that isn't designed for those without children. The S-Cross isn't exactly big, but that's really perfect for tacking our streets and multi-storeys.
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Verdict
Crossovers are the most popular type of car today and the one model that stood out this year is the Suzuki S-Cross. Though not as digitised as its competitors, it nevertheless does a lot of things right, and its honest-to-goodness character won us over.

The S-Cross has a functional cabin layout and sound ergonomics. There's no need to dig around a touchscreen, as most of the controls are physical. That means proper dual-zone climate controls, buttons on the steering wheel and even a physical handbrake.

Speaking of touchscreens, the 9.0-inch infotainment display is user-friendly and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the backseat, occupants get plenty of headroom and good legroom, thanks to the 2,600mm wheelbase.

Its powertrain has been improved, too. Replacing the previous naturally aspirated 1.6-litre is a turbocharged 1.4-litre in-line-4 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which produces 127bhp and 235Nm of torque.

On the go, the mild hybrid system provides an additional 'boost' from a standstill for smoother take-offs. Equally seamless is the six-speed automatic gearbox, which is more responsive than a typical CVT. The sprightly performance makes one look forward to driving it daily.

For sure, modern cars with their nifty gadgets and useful technologies are enjoyable. But down-to-earth models like the S-Cross are a rarity, and that's one of the big reasons why it's our Compact Crossover of the Year.