Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS (YA/YB22S)

2015 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS

After two years of waiting since its European debut, the all-new Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS finally arrives in Japan for the first time and this second-generation model competes with the likes of the Nissan Juke and the Honda Vezel.

It may be a Japanese car, but this new model is now imported from Hungary because Suzuki built this new car at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary and Hungary plays a key role for Suzuki's European production center. Now that this car's made in Europe, I was expecting to be more European-ish on how it performs, and to be honest, no one knows what to expect until they first try it.

2015 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS interior

2015 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS interior

Although the exterior has been heavily improved from the old model, it still looks like your average hatchback with the added clearance like most compact crossovers do. It may be sharp but just like a pencil, the sharpness becomes too round when used consecutively or until it snaps. As for the interior, it feels like it came from the Suzuki Swift but you do get seats for five people and decent boot space depending on the seating arrangements. There's also a hidden space where you can store your luggage at the back called the "luggage board" as well.

2015 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS

The only engine available for the new S-CROSS is the 1.6L M16A petrol engine from the Swift. It delivers a reasonable 117PS of power output and 151Nm of torque. Because of its lower friction and related parts, fuel economy ranges from 17.2kmpl up to 18.2kmpl, depending on the model, by JC08 Mode standards.

The new SX4 S-CROSS features Suzuki's brand-new ALLGRIP system for the 4WD model. This new generation 4WD system features four driving modes selected by a knob that can adapt through any road surfaces whether it is tarmac, gravel, snow, or just when you want a sharper handling car at ease. That's very clever and quite interesting. No wonder Europeans got hold of this new feature on their new SX4, giving it much praise by this tech.

On the suspension layout, it features MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing superior rigidity and ride comfort for this compact crossover.

Prices start at 2,041,200 Japanese Yen, which sounds a lot more expensive than the Nissan Juke but more affordable to buy than the Honda Vezel. Quite a bargain for a compact hatchback that was imported from Europe, eh? But should you want one? The jury's out for you to find out but rest assured that you should go for the 4WD due to its ALLGRIP system's capability that adapt to any smart, exciting, challenging, or tough situations ahead because you'll never know what you'll be facing.

Available colors: Crystal Lime Metallic, Cosmic Black Pearl Metallic, Cool White Pearl, and Boost Blue Pearl Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation