Our Fleet Test Drive: Suzuki S-Cross: 3rd report

Date: 02 March 2015   |   Author: Tony Rock

Equipment: 6 airbags, Bluetooth, aux in and USB input, DAB, heated seats, hill hold, space-saver tyre, cruise control with speed limiter, dual-zone aircon, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloys Options: Metallic paint (£430)

The first thing that struck me was that the petrol engine seemed to be straining at higher speeds, yearning  for a sixth gear that wasn't available. Thankfully, however, this isn't a problem with our diesel because it has that extra gear. Sticking with the gearbox, reverse is also easier to engage in the diesel, aided by a 'collar' on the lever that has to be pulled up before shifting.

That 'collar' is absent on the petrol, and locating reverse in that gearbox can be a struggle. Meanwhile, according to the cars' own calculations, as displayed on their instrument panels, diesel fuel economy was predictably about 10mpg better too, at 52.7mpg versus 42.3mpg.

The petrol model is though £1500 cheaper. Finally, in my view, the Suzuki looks better in the Cool White Pearl Metallic paint job on our car than the Silky Silver Metallic finish (both cost £430), although as with any white vehicle, it's a battle to keep it looking pristine in the middle of winter.

Verdict
	Better than the petrol model		Intermittent hill-hold control system fault

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