SUZUKI has long been able to claim many firsts. The lineage of this new S-Cross Turbo leads back to the circa-2005 SX4, a crossover that appeared well before the small SUV class started to boom.

It followed in the tracks of the off-road-capable Vitara, which in the 1990s went on to sell a storm and create a segment. Only this time its smaller Suzuki protege became stuck, and not only because it was available singularly in front-wheel drive. The little SX4 simply did not catch on or sell well, forcing the car-maker to cut prices and re-align its crossover with more affordable hatchback rivals.

Since then, however, the SX4 has been reborn as the S-Cross – although it still wears both badges on its tailgate – and it appears fitter than ever thanks to the addition of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, new front- and rear-end styling, plus an infotainment upgrade inside.

It has returned to small SUV pricing, but now Australians are actually buying small SUV models. The question is, can a renewed original also become the best in a class stacked with new entrants?