Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS - 2018 minor change

Suzuki's SX4 S-CROSS, a fully-imported compact crossover from Europe, has gained a recent minor change, and needless to say even though the facelifted model looks upwardly different than the previous model, it feels pretty much the same as the SX4 we are familiar with, having been on Japanese roads for two years now.

2018 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS

2018 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS

So, what's new about the 2018MY Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS? On the outside, it now has a new front design that looks conspicuously similar to, let's just say a BMW X1 or so they say. If you manage to squint your eyes even a tiny bit, you know that it looks very similar to the X1 but that new front grille adds a very dramatic look to the S-CROSS's exterior design because it adds some feel to it that you get from a compact crossover ready for every man for himself. On the inside, there's a hint of piano black paneling on the dashboard for a bit more feel to it as well as some redesigned climate control switches. Either way, it's still as accommodating as the last one and still has decent boot space depending on the seating arrangements as well as its luggage board to store some more.

2018 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS interior

2018 Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS interior

Of course, you still have the same 1.6L petrol engine as the last time mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It delivers a reasonable 117PS of power output and 151Nm of torque, which is the same as last time, but in the case of fuel efficiency, you might want to look away now because the figures have been slightly decreased to around 15.2 (for 4WD models) and 16.2kmpl (for 2WD models). Well, that can't be right, but it's for honest reasons having found out that their old model cheated the fuel efficiency stakes, as well as a theory.

Joy of joys, the S-CROSS still has the revolutionary ALLGRIP system for the 4WD model, only this time it comes with the feed-forward function that allocates torque to the rear wheels before any slippage can occur. That sounds like an improvement by Suzuki standards and that feels like more than enough to believe for those who are too dynamic, too smart, and too exciting for Suzuki may need to reconsider before trying out the improved S-CROSS for a change.

So, how much is the new S-CROSS now? Suzuki's S-CROSS is now available for just 2,062,800 Yen for the front-wheel drive model up to 2,278,800 Yen for the four-wheel drive model. That sounds like a slight price bump but it remains a bargain for a compact crossover fully imported from Europe.

Available colors: Sphere Blue Pearl, Energetic Red Pearl, Cool White Pearl, and Cosmic Black Pearl Mica.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

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

Top Gear USA's Small Car for Big Stars

That's the SX4 we saw on the Japanese TV Ad
starring Masaharu Fukuyama.

Suzuki's SX4 Sportback served as the "Small Car" for Big Stars who guested on Top Gear USA. Because of the collaboration between Forza Motorsport 4 and Top Gear, there's no question why the Suzuki SX4 was added on this game because it has a place in Top Gear history. We've seen personalities who've guested on Top Gear USA such as Buzz Aldrin, Dominic Monagham, Ty Brrell, Kid Rock, Michelle Rodriguez, and Tony Hawk driving the Suzuki SX4 round the TGUSA Test Track to find out who's the fastest "Big Star in a Small Car". Seems the whole BIG STAR, SMALL CAR is the USA equivalent to "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" and yes, the Suzuki SX4 is yours to lap, but instead, at the ORIGINAL Top Gear Test Track in Dunsfold Aerodrome, Dunsfold, Surrey, England.

SX4 WRC challenges through the Alps

There are aero parts available at the Suzuki SX4. If you could fit them all from top to bottom, who knows, you could recreate the image of the Suzuki SX4 Rally Car. Now all it needs is some SX4 WRC livery that requires time and effort to recreate the Suzuki SX4 WRC Rally Car in your own hands. However, you should better not to overcook the SX4's tuning because it will ruin the handling. Try to keep it down if you want a tuned SX4 to remain its smooth handling. This Small Car as seen on Top Gear USA will stop at nothing to be more "reasonable" on Forza Motorsport 4.

Another Pikes Peak Monster made by Suzuki!

Climbing Kaido

A whole new "Dirt Trial Car" Forza Motorsport 4 only have is called the Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special. This is the car Monster Tajima drove it on the Pikes Peak and by result, it broke the 10-minute barrier on that venue. Guess this is the reason why Suzuki is included on Forza Motorsport 4 because of the explosive surprise and that explosive surprise is when the December IGN Pack arrived with the introduction of the Monster Sport Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special. How's that compared to the old "Dirt Trial Car" from a rival video game?!

They haven't featured this on Top Gear...until now!

Amazingly though, despite this one's an R1-Class Car, it doesn't have potential to topple down Le Mans Prototypes because they're from a completely different league. I love this kind of Suzuki because this is just another Pikes Peak-born monster that made the SX4 so hardcore for many.