Skoda Octavia VS Suzuki S-Cross
Skoda Octavia
Likes
- Value (including ownership)
- Safety
- Dynamics
Dislikes
- No rear seat power options
- Non-linear power delivery
- Requires premium unleaded
Suzuki S-Cross
Likes
- Strong turbo powertrain
- Practical and spacious cabin
- Surprisingly agile handling
Dislikes
- High prices
- Dated design
- Needs 95 RON premium unleaded
Summary
Skoda Octavia
Skoda’s a bit like that brooding, low-key actor you know but sometimes struggle to recall. Like Jacqueline McKenzie or Ben Mendelsohn. Considered and respected but far from a preening red carpet showboat.
And the mid-size Octavia is the quintessential Skoda… for people seeking quality engineering and tech without feeling the need to make a boastful badge statement.
The fourth-gen Octavia has been in market here for three years and on the back of a recent safety upgrade this new SportLine model, offered in five-door Liftback and traditional Wagon form, adds extra design and specification spice for the same money as the existing entry-level Style.
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It lines up against traditional sedans and wagons like Toyota’s all-conquering Camry, established players like the Mazda6 and in-demand newcomers like the BYD Seal EV, not to mention the usual medium SUV suspects.
Stay with us on this first drive to see if this SportLine has what it takes to steer you towards the Skoda Octavia.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.4L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.8L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Suzuki S-Cross
Would you consider a European-made small SUV with a terrific turbo engine from one of our all-time favourite hot hatches, a reliable torque-converter auto, ample room for five plus luggage, and all from under $40K?
You’d be at the very least a bit curious, right?
Behold the latest Suzuki S-Cross! Okay. It’s been around the sun nearly a dozen times. And you can clock its age in a couple of key areas.
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But this crossover from the class of 2013 is not even close to being the oldest-in-show (stand up, Mitsubishi ASX). And, as our testing revealed, the S-Cross can still teach far newer rivals like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Haval Jolion and Subaru Crosstrek a thing or two.
Because thoughtful design is timeless. Time, then, to crack open the S-Cross.
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.4L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Skoda Octavia8.1/10
Is the Octavia SportLine your kind of automotive quiet achiever? It’s well-equipped and keenly priced with sleek yet understated looks, top-notch safety and a compelling ownership package.
It’s also fuel-efficient for its size and a refined, enjoyable drive. Before you go down that well-trodden mid-size SUV path I’d suggest adding this Skoda - Liftback or Wagon - to your new car short-list.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
Suzuki S-Cross7.1/10
Back in the day, you’d hear people say they’d never buy an all-new car, but instead get the last of the old model that would have had all the bugs ironed out.
If this sort of homespun logic makes sense, then maybe the latest S-Cross might just be the perfect SUV car for you.
Not only has it been in production for years, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with it. Indeed, for performance, packaging and ease, it does plenty that's right. Thoughtful design is timeless.
But there are newer alternatives that look way fresher (particularly inside) yet cost the same or less, and offer more, including updated driver-assist safety.
Still, you can do a lot worse than take an S-Cross for a test drive.
Design
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia is a crisp, contemporary design combining firm character lines and carefully sculpted larger surfaces with a hint of the brand’s VW Group ownership peeking through here and there.
And it’s efficient aerodynamically with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.259 for the Liftback and 0.287 for the Wagon.
The broad black grille is uniquely Skoda although the rear treatment is closer to generic premium Euro. Swap out the Skoda badging for four rings or a blue, black and white roundel and no one would bat an eyelid.
But the SportLine stands apart thanks to a gloss-black finish on the grille, mirror covers, rear spoiler on the Liftback and roof rails on the Wagon.
On top of that a rear diffuser and front spoiler have been added, the window surrounds are matt black and dual exhaust tips finish off the rear end.
The interior is dominated by a handsome multi-layer dash design with a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen in the centre and a 10.25-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ instrument display facing the driver.
The grippy ‘leather-appointed’, flat-bottom steering wheel has shift paddles lurking behind the rim, there are sporty alloy covers on the pedals and the roof lining is black.
The cloth ‘Sports Comfort’ seats look and feel great, the materials used are high quality and the Octavia shares its umbrella-in-the-door trick with Rolls-Royce, although it must be said, the latter provides two.
Suzuki S-Cross
It took Suzuki not one, not two, but three goes before the stylists succeeded in making the S-Cross look good.
The original was like an early Nissan Dualis clone, but all droopy faced, so they grafted on an aggressively toothy face back in 2016 that only a gargoyle’s mother could love.
At least this latest version – said to have been designed in Italy, no less – no longer looks like Frankenstein’s monster.
Released during 2022, the blockier nose, squared-off profile and restyled posterior are meant to make the S-Cross seem larger than its more-successful (and prettier) Vitara sibling, which uses the same platform, by the way.
Not a bad makeover job as far as big facelifts go, then, especially considering the Suzuki’s windscreen, doors and roof remain as before.
Practicality
Skoda Octavia
At a fraction under 4.7m long, just over 1.8m wide and close to 1.5m tall, with a close to 2.7m wheelbase the Octavia SportLine Liftback and Wagon are at the upper end of the mid-size category.
At 183cm I’ve got plenty of breathing room in the front, the low-level dash helping to deliver a spacious feel.
For storage, there’s a generous area under an extendable, height-adjustable armrest between the seats, twin cupholders in the centre console, bins in the doors with enough room for large bottles and a decent cooled glove box. There’s also Skoda’s signature lined rubbish bin in the driver’s door.
In the back, sitting behind the driver’s seat, set to my position, I’ve got plenty of room for my feet, legs and head as well as enough shoulder room for three full-size adults on cozy, medium length journeys.
Adjustable ventilation is welcome and storage options include map pockets on the front seat backs, big door bins, oddments storage under the air outlets and a pair of cupholders in the fold-down centre armrest.
Connectivity and power runs to two USB-C outlets, a 12-volt socket and a wireless charging pad up front with a second 12V in the boot. No USBs or 12-volt for back-seaters, which is a miss.
Speaking of the boot, with all seats up the Liftback offers a competitive 600 litres of storage space, expanding to 1555L with the 40/20/40 split rear seat folded. Those numbers grow to 640 and 1700L in the wagon. Plus, there’s a rear seat ‘ski-port’ style door in both.
A space-saver spare sits under the floor, the tailgate is power-operated and for those keen on towing the Octavia is rated up to a 1.5-tonne braked trailer with trailer stability control standard.
Suzuki S-Cross
It might be an old interior, but at least Suzuki got the fundamentals right in the first place, while also bothering to update the electronics for it to at least seem more contemporary.
Basics first. In typical SUV fashion, entry and egress are excellent, via tall and wide doors with corresponding apertures. There’s a pleasing sense of space for taller occupants, especially in terms of leg and head room.
Once sat in the driver’s seat, the mid-last-decade looking dashboard is instantly familiar and completely non-intimidating.
Concise and surprisingly elegant analogue dials (now with an auxiliary digital speedo, at last) sit ahead of the driver, along with a reach-and-height-adjustable steering column that allows for people of all shapes and sizes to find the right position. Deep windows provide extensive vision and let lots of light inside, too.
Finished in what looks like stitched leather and chainmail-inspired inserts, the front seats in this Plus grade are wide enough for comfort yet bolstered enough for some support through corners.
We rate them, though driver-lumbar and front-passenger height adjustments are disappointingly absent.
Years ago, reviews lambasted manufacturers for providing “too many buttons”, but after an endless succession of touchscreens housing most (if not all) audio, climate and vehicle control access, we miss the days of the button-fest.
If you do too, the S-Cross obliges with array of climate-control switches and driver-assist buttons located around the driver for fast and definite access.
On the other hand, while Suzuki’s new 9.0-inch touchscreen does a fine job housing other vital vehicular and multimedia functions, it drops the ball with no volume knob.
The alternative looks like a slide control but relies on clumsy pushing. Fail. Luckily the steering-spoke-sited toggles do the same job far better, at least for the driver.
Kudos, too, for the effective and intuitive multimedia system, that packs a lot in a small-ish space. The excellent surround/aerial-view camera rates a mention, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay that hardly ever drops out.
Nobody is going to mistake the extensive plastic trim and other finishes as premium, but it isn’t horrendous, doesn’t inflict occupants with the cheap off-gas stink often found in bargain-basement brands, and absolutely nothing rattled or squeaked in our time with the Suzuki.
Storage is also impressive, from the large glove box and deep centre bin/armrest to bottle-gobbling pockets on all four doors. Cups are also well-catered for.
However, betraying the S-Cross’ age are the AWOL wireless charging, head-up display (at this price… ), USB-C outlets and configurable instrumentation.
Moving on to the rear seat reveals a family-friendly environment as far as space is concerned, with adequate comfort provided by the (slightly) reclinable backrest and (fixed) cushion. The windows lower all the way down and the folding centre armrest has a cupholder, too.
But while you’ll find a single map pocket and overhead grab handles, there are no USB ports (at all), nor overhead reading lights or rear-facing air vents.
Never mind. At least the rear backrest reclines (a tiny bit) for added comfort, while further back, boot capacity is a useful 430 litres.
The load area is flat and wide and a space saver spare wheel is located underneath the boot floor.
The backrest has a 60/40 split and the floor can be positioned in different locations. Volume jumps to 1230L with the backrests dropped.
If you rate space, practicality and ease above modernity, then, the S-Cross still holds up remarkably well. Just keep in mind that its interior will appear dated compared newer and flashier competition.
Price and features
Skoda Octavia
With the aim of giving the Octavia a value-focused mid-life boost, the SportLine adds some racy extras outside, inside and underneath and we’ll cover them in detail in the Design and Driving sections.
For now, it’s important to note it all comes at the same price as the already well-equipped, entry-level Style. That is, $40,590, before on-road costs, for the Liftback and close to $41,890 for the Wagon.
And to support this new variant’s arrival, national drive-away pricing has been set for both at an extra $1900 and $2100, respectively ($42,490 and $43,990).
Aside from that, the Sportline boasts a handy standard features list, the highlights being dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, 18-inch alloy rims, auto LED matrix headlights, a power tailgate, a 10-inch media touchscreen (with voice recognition) and 10.25-inch digital instrument display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry and start, auto rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, built-in nav and eight-speaker audio.
An optional ‘Premium Pack’ ($3200) adds power adjustable front seats (with lumbar and memory function), heated front and rear (outboard) seats, ‘Adaptive Lane Guidance’, ‘Emergency Assist’, digital radio, tri-zone climate control and additional USB-C outlets. A panoramic sunroof is available on the Wagon for $1900.
‘Candy White’ is the single no-cost paint colour, with ‘Black Magic Pearlescent’, ‘Graphite Grey Metallic’, ‘Moon White Metallic’ or ‘Race Blue Metallic’ adding $770 to the price-tag while ‘Velvet Red Metallic’ steps up to $1100.
Overall, pretty good value for the category, even before you start factoring in the SportLine extras.
Suzuki S-Cross
As we’ve established, the base S-Cross Turbo front-wheel drive (dubbed 2WD in SUV-speak) starts from $39,990 (all prices are drive-away), while the Plus version tested here costs $42,490 drive-away.
But, just a couple of years back, the pre-facelift S-Cross version kicked off from about $10K less. And, before that, much the same car could be had for mid-$20K.
Suzuki doesn’t make it easy for itself, does it.
At least the S-Cross comes with a decent rollcall of kit, including dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, front fog lights, keyless entry/start, heated front seats, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels.
'Autonomous Emergency Braking' (AEB), lane keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights with high beam assist, adaptive cruise control and a reverse camera headline the standard safety items. More on those in the Safety section below.
For a $2500 premium, the S-Cross Turbo Plus ushers in a larger (9.0-inch) touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view camera, leather trim and polished alloys.
This lines up with the all-wheel drive (AWD) Prestige AllGrip equivalent, though it misses out on the latter’s panoramic sunroof.
Price and equipment-wise, the Plus matches rival mid-grade 2WDs like the Toyota Corolla Cross GXL, Nissan Qashqai ST+, Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring, Kia Seltos Sport+ and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Aspire.
Just keep in mind, all are substantially newer generationally than the S-Cross, even though it did go under the scalpel a couple of years back.
Under the bonnet
Skoda Octavia
A 1.4-litre all-alloy, direct-injected, turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine sits under the Skoda Octavia’s bonnet, sending 110kW/250Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with ‘Tiptronic’ sequential manual shifting accessible via wheel-mounted paddles.
Suzuki S-Cross
Here’s where the S-Cross definitely does not show its age, because Suzuki sure knows how to engineer a great engine. And automatic transmission, too. Take note, rivals.
Of course, we’re talking about the long-lived 'BoosterJet' powertrain, as found in the terrific Swift Sport hot hatch.
In this case, the 1.4-litre twin-cam, direct-injection, turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine delivers 103kW at 5500rpm and 220Nm of torque between 1500-4000rpm. Tipping the scales at 1260kg, this results in a power-to-weight ratio of 82kW per tonne.
Not huge numbers, granted, but this little firecracker certainly punches above its weight in the seamless way performance is served up, helped out by the intelligent spread of ratios from the standard six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, with paddle shifters included. Sadly, no manual gearbox is available.
Efficiency
Skoda Octavia
Skoda’s official combined cycle fuel economy number for the Octavia SportLine is 5.7L/100km for the Liftback and 5.9L per hundred for the Wagon, the 1.4-litre turbo four emitting 180g/km of CO2 in the process.
On the launch drive program covering urban, B-road and freeway running along the coast south of Sydney, NSW we recorded an average of 6.4L/100km in the Liftback. Not too shabby for a non-hybrid in this class.
Worth noting the minimum fuel requirement is the pricier 95 RON premium unleaded, though.
You’ll need 45 litres of it to fill the tank which translates to a theoretical range of around 790km… roughly 700km using our real-world number.
Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki reckons the S-Cross will average 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle, though keep in mind that it requires expensive 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.
As far as carbon dioxide emissions are concerned, that translates to between 138 and 145 grams/km.
We managed about 7.7L/100km – and this included some very spirited performance testing with the air-con always on, against the trip computer’s more-accurate-than-expected 7.4L.
With a 47-litre fuel tank, expect a range of about 790km between refills.
Driving
Skoda Octavia
Skoda says the Octavia SportLine will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds, which isn’t ferociously fast but far from sluggish at the same time, especially for a roughly 1.3-tonne vehicle. And the fact peak torque (250Nm) is available from 1500-4000rpm makes it easy to drive with plenty of oomph through the mid-range.
Worth noting, while the urge is there, the turbo four’s power delivery isn’t always linear, more often from step off, with the engine at times taking half a beat to respond to a squeeze of the accelerator pedal before the power arrives.
Nothing dramatic, however, and the ‘Shift-by-Wire’ eight-speed auto transmission is smooth, with ‘Eco’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes available, the latter holding onto ratios longer on the way up the gears and shifting down more readily when an extra burst of acceleration is required. And if you want to take full control, ‘manual’ shifts via wheel-mounted paddles are satisfyingly quick.
Suspension is strut front with a ‘compound link crank-axle’ at the rear, the latter being Skoda-speak for a torsion beam.
The SportLine’s suspension is 15mm lower than the Style’s with springs and shock absorbers re-tuned for sharper dynamic response. Yet, despite that and the standard 18-inch rims shod with low-profile tyres there’s no penalty in terms of ride compliance.
Even over coarse B-road surfaces the Octavia remains comfortable and composed. The steering is nicely weighted and road feel is good, with a nice connection between the front tyres and hands on the wheel.
Pressing on through the curves the car is stable and balanced with the (225/45) Bridgestone Turanza rubber gripping hard. And if you really have the bit between your teeth an electronically-controlled diff lock helps put the power down effectively.
Braking by ventilated discs at the front with solid rotors at the rear and under the pressure of some steep, twisting and fairly rapid descents stopping power is solid. The pedal is progressive on application and when easing off.
Under the heading of miscellaneous observations, engine noise is agreeably low, especially for a small capacity turbo-petrol engine, the sports front seats are supportive and comfortable over lengthy stints behind the wheel and a lateral slider located below the central multimedia screen to control audio volume is a neat ergonomic solution.
In the midst of the current arm wrestle between the design cleanliness of an on-screen volume control and the simple effectiveness of a physical dial the Octavia’s slider, while still a haptic-style operation, represents a safe and practical middle ground between the two.
Suzuki S-Cross
So, if you’ve read this far down, you might have been pleasantly surprised by the S-Cross' spacious and practical interior, ease of operation and decent equipment levels.
Yet the main event lives under the bonnet.
Let’s start with the performance. Throttle response is instant and lag-free, allowing for strong acceleration right from the get go. No jerkiness, no delays, no hiccups.
On the move, the S-Cross' power delivery continues to impress, feeling smooth and slick across the rev range. The finely-tuned torque-converter auto – rather than a CVT continuously variable transmission or dual-clutch – must surely play a role in this Suzuki's effortlessly consistent performance.
Where the turbo engine really shines, though, is at higher speeds, with ample power and torque still left in reserve for when you need to overtake or pull away in a hurry.
Delightfully muscular yet super creamy to boot, the BoosterJet remains one of the best internal combustion engine choices available in any small or medium-sized SUV, regardless of price and positioning.
If only Suzuki put a little more love into the S-Cross’ dynamics.
As with the AWD model, the S-Cross 2WD features electric rack and pinion steering, while its suspension consists of a MacPherson strut-style design up front and a torsion beam rear-end arrangement.
While easy and precise, with a tight-ish turning circle for easy urban manoeuvrability, the steering feels too light after all that delicious oomph on offer, especially at higher speed.
This is doubly disappointing, because the chassis is quite firmly set-up, meaning the S-Cross offers sharp yet controlled handling that allows it to be hustled quickly and confidently through fast corners.
We suspect the high-quality Michelin 215/55R17 tyres help. And, speaking of rubber, road noise is fairly subdued out on the open road.
Criticisms? Unlike in the AWD version, the 2WD seems a little skittish at speed on gravel. It’s a good thing the well-modulated driver-assist systems are at the ready. Unlike in so many other SUVs, including in MGs and Havals, their intervention isn’t too zealous or ill-judged.
Also, the Suzuki’s ride around town can be a bit stiff, but never harsh, over smaller-frequency bumps and surface irregularities.
Still, our overall impression is that the eager S-Cross feels far newer to drive than its birth date suggests. That turbo powertrain must take the credit for much of that.
Safety
Skoda Octavia
Safety is one of Skoda’s strongest suits so no surprise the Octavia scored a maximum five ANCAP stars from assessment in 2019.
It includes active crash-avoidance tech highlights like AEB (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), a surround-view and reversing camera, ‘Park Assist’, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and fatigue detection.
If an impact is unavoidable, there are eight airbags on-board, including a front centre and driver’s knee bag which holds up well in 2024 and shows how far ahead of the passive safety game the Octavia was when it launched here in 2021.
There are three top tethers for child seats across the second row, with ISOFIX anchors on the outer positions.
Suzuki S-Cross
While the pre-facelift S-Cross from 2013 to 2022 managed a maximum five-star crash-test score, no ANCAP rating information is available for the current JYB series.
There is a decent amount of safety gear as standard, though, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 'Weaving Alert' (a driver-drowsiness warning prompt), front/rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control (with full-stop functionality) and auto high beams.
Note that while the adaptive cruise control brings you to a halt, there’s no traffic-follow function as found in newer systems, betraying the S-Cross’ advancing years.
Plus, Suzuki does not supply information about the AEB and other driver-assist tech’s operating parameters.
Also fitted in every S-Cross are seven airbags (dual front, dual front side, curtain and driver’s knee), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake-assist.
The rear seats contain a trio of child-seat tether anchorages, as well as an outboard pair of ISOFIX attachments.
Ownership
Skoda Octavia
The Octavia is covered by Skoda’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is two years up on the majority of the mainstream market.
Roadside Assist is complimentary for the first year, renewed annually if you have your Octavia serviced at an authorised Skoda dealer.
The main service interval is 12 months/15,000km, which is in line with most of the competition and Skoda offers five- and seven-year service packs, the latter equating to $393 per workshop visit, which isn’t out of line for the segment.
And through Skoda Choice you can opt for a Guaranteed Future Value offer ranging up to five years and currently at a 6.99 per cent rate.
Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki offers an industry-average five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.
Service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km, while basic capped-price servicing is available, with pricing ranging from a low of $329 per service up to a high of $539 for the first five years/50,000km. The average of $397 isn't particularly cheap.