Should you buy one?

That depends on your lifestyle and your values. If you want a car that’s economical, well-equipped and affordable, then the Suzuki S-Cross ticks a lot of boxes. However, once you add boot space, cabin comfort, refinement and desirability into the mix, it starts to fall short.

The S-Cross is a very good effort from Suzuki, and we must commend the firm’s engineers for their focus on simplicity and lightweighting. It’s refreshing, but most families will be better served by the more fashionable Peugeot 3008, slicker Hyundai Tucson, or more practical Nissan Qashqai.

What we like

It’s simple and it’s honest. You can choose from two engines, two trims and two drivetrains – that’s it. It’s rare to find that these days. Suzuki’s approach will make the buying process much easier.

The S-Cross is also very good value when you consider the amount of standard equipment you get. We were also impressed by how economical and fast its 1.4-litre mild hybrid petrol engine is. Dealers rank well and Suzukis in general are very reliable too. What’s more, it comes with a very competitive seven-year warranty.

What we don’t like

The interior is a bit dull and the material quality is lacking. Suzuki’s full hybrid system is a bit of let-down, too. It doesn’t make a big enough leap forward in fuel economy terms over the mild hybrid to justify the £1,000-odd price increase. It also slashes boot space down to less than 300 litres and it isn’t anywhere near as much fun to drive.