Until now offered with light hybridization, the S-Cross adopts a simple 1.5 hybrid block, 115 hp.
Beware of misleading names. If Suzuki has been promoting a 100% hybrid range for several years, many models were satisfied with a so-called light hybridization, with a very limited gain in consumption.
But things are changing. After the Swace station wagon or the Vitara urban SUV, it’s the turn of the S-Cross compact SUV to be offered with a “real” hybrid engine. That is to say that the vehicle is able to move forward, over short distances, in all-electric mode.
The S-Cross also uses the same engine as the Vitara. There is thus a 102 hp 1.5 Dualjet thermal block and a 33 hp electric motor. The maximum cumulative power is 115 hp, which might seem fair for a more family vehicle. An impression that we will of course verify during a future test.
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Available in two or four-wheel drive, the vehicle is equipped with a 6-speed robotic gearbox. Suzuki indicates that the electric motor is placed at the exit of the box, it thus directly drives the transmission shaft, “compensating for torque breaks for better driving pleasure”.
The electric unit officiates solo during the low-speed starting phases. The internal combustion engine can also remain dormant at moderate load or speed. When the pace picks up, the electric assists the thermal.
Suzuki announces a combined consumption of 5.2 l/100 km for the traction model, or 9% less than the 1.4 model with light hybridization and automatic transmission, which is replaced by this hybrid. It is obviously in town that the gain in consumption is the most convincing, with 4.7 l/100 km, or 33% less. An Eco mode reinforces the use of the electric block.
CO2 emissions are at 118 g/km. Individuals avoid the penalty and professionals gain an exemption for three years from the annual tax on CO2 emissions.
Deliveries of this new engine will begin in the fall. We don’t know the prices yet.
