The writing has been on the wall for the Suzuki S-Cross in Australia. After years of struggling to find buyers in the competitive small SUV market, this compact crossover is officially heading for the exit door. The timing couldn’t be more telling – regulatory changes are simply the final nail in the coffin for a vehicle that never quite captured Australian hearts or wallets.
What’s Happening to the S-Cross?
Starting March 1, 2025, Australia’s new ADR 98/00 safety regulations require all new vehicles to have car-to-car Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. The S-Cross, along with several other Suzuki models including the Vitara, Ignis, and Swift Sport, doesn’t meet these updated requirements.
Suzuki Australia’s managing director Michael Pachota confirmed the brand has “stopped production orders of these vehicles” but will continue selling existing inventory throughout 2025. This means if you want an S-Cross, you’ll need to choose from whatever’s already on dealer lots – no more custom orders from the factory.
The Sales Reality Check
The numbers tell a sobering story. In 2023, Suzuki sold just 598 units of the S-Cross in Australia, despite a 66.1% increase from the previous year. To put this in perspective, that’s fewer than 12 cars per week across the entire continent. Recent monthly figures show just 73 S-Cross sales in December 2024, highlighting how few Australians were choosing this SUV.
Compare this to the brand’s most popular model, the Swift, which sold 6,914 units in 2023, and you can see why the S-Cross earned its reputation as Suzuki’s slowest seller. Even the quirky Jimny, with its niche appeal, managed 5,002 sales in the same period.
What Made the S-Cross Struggle?
Several factors contributed to the S-Cross’s market struggles. Since its 2014 Australian launch, the S-Cross has “struggled to gain traction against traditional brands, a feat that is becoming harder with the emergence of Chinese rivals.”
Pricing pressures played a significant role. The range-topping AllGrip Prestige model costs $44,490 driveaway, making it “technically the priciest Suzuki money can currently buy in Australia.” This puts it in dangerous territory against established competitors like the Hyundai Kona and similar models from mainstream brands.
Market positioning also created challenges. While the more popular Vitara is “more affordable to get into, is similarly capable if not more so on mixed terrain,” the S-Cross occupied an awkward middle ground that many buyers found hard to justify.
The Good News About the S-Cross
Despite poor sales, the S-Cross wasn’t a bad vehicle. Reviews consistently praised its “gutsy 1.4-litre engine” and “soft package that almost feels as though it is engineered for Australia’s poorly surfaced roads.”
The interior offered “airy and spacious” accommodation “that’s larger than most rival small SUVs,” with boot capacity of 430 litres expanding to 1230L with rear seats folded. The turbocharged 1.4L Boosterjet engine delivered 103kW and 220Nm, paired with a conventional six-speed automatic rather than a CVT like many competitors.
What’s Next for Suzuki Australia?
Suzuki isn’t giving up on the Australian market. The brand is “clearing the way for new technologies” with hybrid and electric models. Coming in 2025 are the Fronx hybrid SUV (mid-year), Vitara Hybrid (Q4), and the eVitara electric SUV.
This transition reflects global automotive trends toward electrification and improved safety standards. Pachota noted that “hybrid products are in high demand from our dealer network and customers alike.”
The S-Cross’s departure highlights how challenging the small SUV segment has become. While it offered genuine practical benefits and was well-engineered, it couldn’t overcome pricing disadvantages and brand positioning issues in a highly competitive market.
For buyers interested in the remaining stock, the S-Cross represents a capable, if not outstanding, choice. However, most consumers will likely benefit from waiting for Suzuki’s new hybrid offerings, which should provide better value and modern safety features that align with Australia’s evolving automotive landscape.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo Boosterjet (103kW/220Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Automatic |
| Drive | FWD or AllGrip AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 5.9L/100km (FWD), 6.2L/100km (AWD) |
| Boot Space | 430L – 1230L |
| Price Range | $36,990 – $44,490 driveaway |
| Warranty | 5 years unlimited km |
| Safety Rating | 5-star ANCAP (2013, expired) |
FAQs
Q: Can I still buy a new S-Cross in 2025?
A: Yes, but only from existing dealer stock. No new orders can be placed from the factory.
Q: Why is the S-Cross being discontinued?
A: New safety regulations require AEB systems that the current S-Cross doesn’t have, combined with poor sales performance.
Q: What will replace the S-Cross?
A: Suzuki will launch new hybrid SUVs including the Fronx and updated Vitara Hybrid in 2025.
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