Suzuki S Cross - Automated manual gearbox!!!

Even Toyota could not get an AMG right!

According to my research two models are available, a manual gearbox with the entry-level 1.4 mild-hybrid engine, and an automatic with the 1.5 hybrid.

The 'auto' is not a traditional one, or even a 'dual clutch' type found in VAGs, etc - it's a single clutch automated manual, the same one they now fit to its stablemate, the current Vitara (with the same engine lineup).

That 'auto' gearbox doesn't get the best reviews (see the reviews section for both cars) as it apparently isn't what you'd call 'smooth'. The ordinary manual seems to be fine, however.

I’m surprised Suzuki went down this route with a hybrid, the norm is some sort of CVT setup. I’m assuming it’s a mild hybrid then? It would certainly be best to take a substantial test drive to see if one could get on with it before committing as they’re nowhere near as smooth as a conventional torque converter box or a CVT.

All Suzuki Swift, Vitara and S-Cross auto models (that is both full and mild hybrids) use a single clutch automated manual (AGS) like our Ignis (the Ignis, Swace and Across use CVT).

And no, not great things to use. Having said that, you can avoid unnecessary gear changes by using manual mode and relying on the torque.

The S Cross has been around since 2013. It's the bigger brother of the Vitara. Has been badged as the SX4 S Cross. I test drove one in 2019 that had the 1.4turbo engine. Decided I liked the engine but preferred it in the smaller, lighter Vitara S.

Isn't a new one now? Or was the old just facelifted? God knows, it needed it.