√2023 Suzuki S-Cross to gain advanced safety tech, all-wheel drive

The Suzuki S-Cross is set for a revamp in Australia next month, with a much-needed suite of advanced safety tech – and the return of an all-wheel-drive option.

The new 2023 Suzuki S-Cross small SUV will offer a range of advanced safety technology for the first time in Australia – and the option of all-wheel-drive after a six-year absence – when it goes on sale early next month.

Details published on the Suzuki Australia (the distributor for all regions except Queensland) website last week – which have since been removed – point to the choice of at least two S-Cross model grades locally, due on sale on 9 September 2022 (though prices are yet to be announced).

All models will be equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, comprising autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The S-Cross was the final model in the ‘mainstream’ small SUV category not to offer autonomous emergency braking (AEB) on any model grade – and one of three not to offer it as standard across the range (joining the MG ZS and Suzuki Vitara).

While the outgoing Suzuki S-Cross was available with autonomous emergency braking in Europe, it was never offered in Australia – despite the vehicles being built in the same factory in Hungary.

Alongside the safety suite, Suzuki’s website confirms the 2023 S-Cross will return ‘AllGrip’ all-wheel drive to the range, with a 1.4-litre turbo engine – last offered on an S-Cross in Australia in 2016, with a 1.6-litre non-turbo engine.

All-wheel drive appears to be available across the range, as certain features on the website (such as leather seats) are shown with an asterisk to denote they will “only be available on particular variants” – but the AllGrip system isn’t one of them.

Standard features across the 2023 S-Cross range in Australia are set to include a centre touchscreen, automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, and power-folding door mirrors.

A centre touchscreen of unknown size – likely the 9.0-inch display offered in overseas models – will be standard equipment, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation across the range.

Higher model grades add leather-accented seat upholstery, a 360-degree camera and a panoramic sunroof – possibly among other items, which are not detailed on the Suzuki Australia website.

Full details of the S-Cross’ engine and transmission are yet to be revealed for Australia, however the website confirms a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine will continue to be available, now with all-wheel drive.

Outputs are more likely to match the 103kW and 220Nm of the outgoing model, rather than the 95kW and 235Nm of European models, which feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to reduce emissions and subtly improve performance.

Also available in Europe is a ‘full’ hybrid model – akin to a Toyota hybrid – with a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine, electric motor and six-speed automated manual transmission, for 85kW combined. This isn’t listed as part of the launch S-Cross range.

Suzuki Australia quotes 430 litres of boot space with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats upright.

Prices for the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross – set to go on sale next month, on September 9 – are yet to be confirmed, however the extra technology on offer suggests list prices will rise over the outgoing model, which cost $30,490 to $31,990 plus on-road costs.

Stay tuned to Drive for more news on the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross over the next two weeks.