Under the S-Cross’ bonnet is a 103kW/220Nm 1.4-litre twin-cam direct-injection turbo-charged four-cylinder petrol engine dubbed Boosterjet.

It drives either the front or all four wheels in AllGrip all-wheel-drive versions via a six-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, no manual gearbox is offered.

One reason why you might want to buy a Suzuki S-Cross is because of its airy and spacious interior that’s larger than most rival small SUVs. There’s proper room for five people and a handy amount of cargo capacity.

Another is the ease and simplicity of the interior layout, from the large doors and lofty seating to the very conventional dash layout featuring plenty of storage, excellent ventilation and physical buttons and controls.

On the other hand, the design inside is very dated despite the new multimedia screen, the plastics – though hardy – aren’t very premium and the lack of an audio volume knob and USB-C ports are annoying.

All S-Cross models include AEB, lane keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic LED headlights with high beam assist.

Buyers also score keyless entry/start, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a central touchscreen, digital radio, satellite navigation, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Moving up to the Plus ushers in a 2.0-inch larger (to 9.0-inch) touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view camera, leather trim and polished alloys.

The Prestige AllGrip also adds all-wheel drive (AWD) and a panoramic sunroof.

The Suzuki S-Cross is a five-seater SUV, with reclining bucket seats up front and a three-occupant rear bench.

The backrest is 60/40 split-fold to boost luggage capacity into the cabin if need be, and offers a small amount of reclining ability. However, the base is fixed, so does not slide forward or back.

The Suzuki S-Cross Turbo can sprint from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in 8.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of about 200km/h.

The S-Cross averages 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle in 2WD auto guise, or 6.2L/100km when talking about the AllGrip all-wheel-drive version. Fitted with a 47-litre tank, expect a range of about 790km.