Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SZ5 ALLGRIP

IT WASN’T the case that neighbours were pretending to be in labour or chasing stray remote control vehicles in order to blag a ride in Suzuki’s S-Cross during my week with the car.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SZ5 ALLGRIP

Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel

Power: 118bhp and 236lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 13 seconds and 108mph

Economy: 64.2mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 114g/km

Price: £23,549

But if last spring’s weather had once again manifested itself in a foot of snow on Rotherham’s roads then things might have been quite different.

Suzuki has installed itself as producers of affordable four-wheel-drive transport with the arrival of the new Swift 4x4 and the replacement for its SX4 hatchback, the new SX4 S-Cross.

And while it might be pushing things to claim that they hold the magnetic allure depicted in the Japanese manufacturer’s current TV advertising campaign, it’s easy to see their appeal.

Prices for the S-Cross start at £14,999 for the entry-level, front-wheel-drive SZ3-spec version, with all-wheel traction available from £21,549 in the range-topping SZ5 ALLGRIP.

That’s around £3,400 than an equivalent Nissan Qashqai.

At £23,549 Suzuki’s 118bhp, 1.6 DDi diesel powered SZ5 ALLGRIP comes with a positively packed spec, the likes of which would shame most luxury saloons.

Switchable four-wheel-drive (snow, auto, sport and lock settings can be engaged) comes along with LED running daylights, keyless entry and engine start, touchscreen sat-nav, Bluetooth handsfree phone connectivity and music streaming, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, DAB radio, cruise control, leather seats (heated in the front), a double-sliding panoramic sunroof and automatic headlamps and wipers.

Suzuki have thrown all but the kitchen sink at its range topper and thanks to increased dimensions over the old SX4 there’s now room for five adults inside along with 430 litres of both space.

The new SUV’s aim was to combine hatchback performance with the size and all-terrain appeal of larger 4x4s and the result is an impressive level of flexibility and practicality.

Although appearing to sit low, thanks to its relatively broad frame and the road sniffing effect of a slightly drooping snout designed to improve aerodynamics, the S-Cross still boasts a fairly high driving position that offers a clear view down the road.

A relatively tall ride height also makes getting in and out an easy affair for older passengers and families with young children, while affording 165mm of ground clearance.

Looks are always subjective but I found that the S-Cross looked better from the rear, with its more square-set shape clearly aligned to the rugged cross-over class, than from that broad front end.

The polished brightwork of the grille and 17 inch alloys combine with silver sump guards and roof rails to add a welcome dose of rugged sportiness to a design which I found a little incongruous.

Suzuki claim that the aerodynamic traits of the S-Cross were developed during many hours in a wind tunnel and resulted in class-leading fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 64.2mpg and 114g/km, respectively.

Impressive, given the space on offer and the 4x4 drivetrain.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine tested here felt tractable from low speeds, thanks in part to 236lb.ft. of torque delivered at just 1,750rpm, but was not the most refined unit when worked hard.

Nor will not win the S-Cross any performance accolades with a 13 second sprint to 62mph and 108mph top speed.

There is little comparison between the S-Cross and the nimble Swift hatchback, which I have praised on these pages in the past, in terms of handling either.

A decent balance has been struck between ride quality and chassis control by Suzuki’s engineers but the steering lacks self-centring — the force that returns it to the straight ahead — and the rear end seems vague and imprecise through some corners, especially those affected by broken tarmac.

An vague, lateral movement seems to unsettle things, reducing the sense of steering accuracy.

Turning the switchable four-wheel-drive system to its sport setting automatically diverts 20 per cent of the S-Cross’ power to its rear wheels and sharpens throttle response by 500rpm, a subtle change which increases the cars eagerness.

Overall, the feel of the S-Cross is unaffected, though, with the steering and suspension traits remaining the same.

Disappointing though some of the handling characteristics were it is clear that Suzuki have created an impressive all-rounder in the S-Cross and a car which, in the range-topping guise tested here, has the spec to take on the best in its class.

The S-Cross appears to be well specced at all levels, in fact.

It is up against a broad array of opposition in the likes of Nissan’s award-winning Qashqai and Mazda’s polished CX-5, however.

In terms of space and spec the Suzuki wins the day but it will have its work cut out to compete with the cream of the cross-over crop.