It has a familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a choice of manual or automatic transmission, physical controls for many functions and a clear focus on practical everyday driving.

That simplicity does not make it feel old-fashioned in every respect: the S-Cross has a bold exterior, 48V mild-hybrid assistance and a strong range of standard safety equipment.

Tested here in 1.4 Boosterjet Ultra Auto form, it is not an SUV designed to deliver driving thrills. Instead, its strengths are reliable handling, sensible performance, compact dimensions and good value for money. It is an easy car to understand and an even easier one to live with.

A more confident design

The S-Cross looks considerably more substantial than its dimensions suggest. Its raised bonnet, piano-black grille, angular wheel arches and three-element LED headlights give it a confident, upright stance. At the rear, the wider combination lamps and horizontal garnish create a greater sense of width, while roof rails and an integrated spoiler add the familiar details expected of a modern SUV.

The Suzuki S-Cross (Image: Newsquest)

It remains a manageable size, measuring 4,305mm long and 1,785mm wide. That makes it convenient around town and less awkward in car parks than larger family SUVs. The 430-litre boot is practical, although it does not lead the class for capacity or versatility.

Suzuki’s decision to retain 17-inch wheels across the range is helpful to both comfort and running costs. Ultra models receive polished versions, along with leather upholstery, a panoramic sliding sunroof and a 360-degree camera. The result is a car that looks better equipped than its price might suggest, even if it lacks the visual drama of some rivals in this segment.

Simple but spacious interior

The interior is less ambitious than the exterior. Its design is functional and logically arranged, with a high-set driving position and plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering column. The controls are easy to identify, and there is no need to navigate complex menus for every basic function.

The cabin will not impress anyone expecting premium materials or a particularly adventurous design. Much of the dashboard is made from hard plastic, and the overall appearance is more durable than luxurious. However, the straightforward layout is useful, and the seats provide comfortable support for longer journeys.

There is reasonable space for adults in the rear, although the panoramic roof fitted to Ultra versions slightly reduces headroom. The back seat is also less well equipped than some newer rivals, with no rear ventilation outlets and limited charging provision. These are small omissions, but they matter in a family car.

The Suzuki S-Cross (Image: Newsquest)

The nine-inch touchscreen fitted to Ultra models is larger than the seven-inch unit available on Motion versions, and it includes navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is not the quickest or most sophisticated system available, but its menus are generally easy to operate. Smartphone mirroring is likely to be the preferred option for many owners.

Sensible performance

The 1.4-litre K14D Boosterjet engine produces 129PS and 235Nm of torque. Its 48V mild-hybrid system uses an Integrated Starter Generator fir extra assistance during initial acceleration, when the turbocharger is still building boost. This gives the S-Cross a useful sense of flexibility at low engine speeds.

The engine is right-powered for this type of car. It is not especially quick, but it has enough strength for everyday use, motorway driving and overtaking. Acceleration is smooth when the driver is measured with the throttle, and the power delivery feels more willing than the modest engine capacity might suggest.

The six-speed automatic transmission suits the S-Cross’s relaxed character. It removes the effort from congested driving and generally responds predictably.

With a 0-62mph time of 10.1 seconds for the two-wheel-drive automatic, performance is adequate rather than exciting. Fuel economy and emissions are competitive for a petrol SUV, helped by the mild-hybrid system’s regenerative braking and stop-start functions.

Reliable handling

The S-Cross handles in a dependable and predictable way. The steering is light, which makes town driving and parking easy, although it offers limited feedback on faster roads. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than agility, allowing the car to deal effectively with uneven surfaces.

There is some body movement through bends, and enthusiastic drivers will find little hidden entertainment in the chassis. However, the car remains stable and composed, with reliable grip and reassuring responses. That matches the impressions from testing: the S-Cross does not provide driving thrills, but it is easy to place on the road and inspires confidence.

The Suzuki S-Cross (Image: Newsquest)

Wind and road noise can become noticeable at motorway speeds, but the engine remains reasonably refined during normal driving. Adaptive cruise control works well on longer journeys, while the lane-keeping assistance provides useful support without constantly fighting the driver. The assistance systems can also be adjusted using physical controls, which is a welcome feature.

Ultra versions also benefit from Suzuki’s ALLGRIP Select four-wheel-drive system. It is not essential for most buyers, but it provides extra reassurance on slippery roads and makes the S-Cross more capable on gravel tracks, grass and light off-road surfaces.

Well equipped and good value

The S-Cross’s strongest argument is the amount of equipment included for the money. Even Motion versions receive heated seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, navigation, smartphone connectivity, parking sensors and extensive safety technology.

The Ultra adds the features most likely to improve daily use: leather upholstery, a panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera. Seven airbags, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure prevention, traffic-sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the range.

Verdict

The Suzuki S-Cross is a deliberately uncomplicated family SUV in a market increasingly dominated by oversized screens, complex powertrains and ever more elaborate styling. That approach leaves it less fashionable than some rivals, and the interior in particular feels conservative.

However, the S-Cross remains easy to understand, comfortable enough, sensibly sized and well equipped. The 1.4 Boosterjet automatic delivers the appropriate level of performance, while the handling is reliable rather than entertaining. For buyers who value practicality, safety and good value over technology overload or driving excitement, the S-Cross remains a convincing choice. Its greatest achievement is not doing anything spectacular, but making everyday motoring feel straightforward.

Model tested: Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Ultra Auto

Body style: Five-door compact SUV

Engine: 1.4-litre K14D Boosterjet turbocharged petrol

Hybrid system: 48V mild hybrid

Transmission: Six-speed automatic with torque converter

Drive: Two-wheel drive; ALLGRIP Select four-wheel drive available as standard on Ultra models

Maximum torque: 235Nm from 2,000rpm

0-62mph: 10.1 seconds for 2WD automatic models

Maximum speed: 118mph

Official economy: Up to 52.3mpg for 2WD manual models

CO₂ emissions: From 121g/km for 2WD manual models

Price: £S-Cross range from £23,999 (£29,899 for model tested)

Toys ‘R’ Us is set to open more than a hundred new stores in the coming weeks across America as part of its biggest expansion in nearly a decade, driven by a surge in toy sales to adults

Advertisement

While numerous major High Street retailers are shutting their doors, children’s retail giant Toys “R” Us is launching its biggest expansion in almost ten years.

The ambitious project will see 120 physical shops open their doors across the US in the coming weeks and months.

The resurgence stems from increased interest among adult shoppers, the firm revealed on Thursday, having secured fresh agreements for numerous one-year leases throughout the US.

Data from consumer tracking firm Circana shows toy sales have experienced their most significant growth since 2020. During the first six months of 2026, toy sales jumped by an impressive 17 per cent – marking the strongest first-half showing in six years for the retailer.

This growth is predominantly driven by “kidults”, or grown-ups purchasing trading cards and collectables. Circana’s research indicates that adults now account for 55% of total toy purchases.

Advertisement

The new outlets opening across America will stock major brands including LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Pokémon and KPop Demon Hunters. Selected branches will additionally house their own cafés and confectionery sections, the business confirmed.

Approximately 40 stores have already launched throughout the US, featuring a 20,000-square-foot flagship branch in New Jersey and another in Minnesota.

A Toys “R” Us representative stated that the expansion initiative began last month when Go! Retail Group – which specialises in operating pop-up stores and discreetly began the Toys “R” Us revival last year – has started rolling out outlets spanning between 3,500 and 7,500 square feet.

Advertisement

The total number of branches is anticipated to hit 160 within the next few weeks.

While the brand may be flourishing once again, 160 sites represents merely a small proportion of the 750 stores the chain operated before filing for bankruptcy in 2017 and shuttering all its American locations.

The firm’s demise dealt a devastating blow to the toy retail industry, which had depended on Toys “R” Us to drive sales and launch new products.

In the years since, American retailers Walmart, Amazon and Target have predominantly stepped in to fill the void.

Yet, according to Jamie Uitdenhowen – a former Toys “R” Us veteran who now serves as WHP Global executive vice president – “the toy industry is incredibly strong.”

This might well signal a comeback for the toy retail giant in the coming years.

A majority of independent voters in Texas have said the Republican midterm convention in Dallas last week made no impact on their excitement to cast their ballot, despite President Donald Trump calling the event a “winner.”

The Republican Party, like the Democratic Party, typically holds a convention every four years where it announces its nominees for president and their running mate. But in an unusual move, Trump headlined a two-day conference to drum up support for GOP candidates ahead of November’s midterms.

Trump raved about the event’s success, saying it was “a solidly sold out winner for Republicans” — despite reports of many empty seats — in a Truth Social post Monday. “Should have a big impact on November 3rd,” he predicted.

But 68 percent of independent voters in Texas — a key target for Republicans and Democrats in general elections — said the convention made no impact on their excitement to vote, according to a new The Hill/Emerson poll.

The convention did galvanize Trump’s own party, with 59 percent of Texas Republican voters saying that the event made them more excited to vote. Fifty-three percent of Texas Democratic voters, however, were also more eager to cast their ballot following the convention — presumably against GOP candidates.

There’s a particularly competitive race in Texas as the state’s Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and his Democratic opponent James Talarico vie for a U.S. Senate seat.

While the convention was meant to boost support for candidates like Paxton, Trump insulted the Republican during his speech for two nights in a row.

The president took issue with Paxton’s fashion sense, telling the crowd Wednesday night, “He may not dress right. He may not talk exactly perfectly, and he may not be the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen, but you know what he is? He’s the greatest Attorney General in America, and he deserves to be your next senator.”

Paxton and Talarico remained neck and neck in the new poll taken after the convention. Talarico had 47 percent of support from Texas voters and Paxton had 46 percent.

During his Wednesday night address, Trump also promised that his administration would pay a “Trump Dividend” to each American adult if voters helped Republicans keep the majority in Congress.

“So if the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000,” Trump said.

Critics accused the president of bribery while others questioned where the money would come from.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he believed the Trump administration can find a way to pay for the $5,000 checks without adding to the nation’s $40 trillion debt, but remained tight-lipped about the details.

“I’m not ready to discuss it at present, but at Treasury we’ve been working on it for quite a while,” Bessent said.

There were concerns ahead of the convention that Trump, with low approval ratings, would hurt GOP candidates’ campaigns more than help them.

Trump had a net approval rating of negative 18 percent in a new The Economist/YouGov poll.

His administration has been dogged by an unpopular war in Iran that has raised gas prices for Americans and a massive immigration crackdown that has been criticized as too aggressive.

Fifty-two percent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of immigration compared to 45 percent who approved, according to the survey from The Economist and YouGov.

His approval rating for his handling of Iran was even bleaker, with 60 percent disapproving of his job on the issue and 33 percent backing it.

Researchers say prescribing exercise to people with heart problems could slash hospital admissions, with home-based digital programmes just as beneficial as in-person sessions.

Experts at the University of Glasgow analysed 107 trials involving 26,886 people with coronary heart disease, which happens when fatty deposits narrow or block the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Most patients had had a heart attack, experienced chest pain, or undergone a heart procedure.

The new review found that working out can play a “vital role” in recovery, as exercise-based rehabilitation slashed the risk of heart attacks by 28 per cent.

It also helped reduce hospital admissions by 35 per cent.

Dr Grace Dibben, from the University of Glasgow, said the review “shows that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation can reduce the risk of heart attack and hospital admission while helping people return to healthier, more active lives.

“Many people lose confidence after a heart attack or cardiac procedure and worry that physical activity could be dangerous.

“Appropriately prescribed exercise is not only safe for most patients, but can play a vital role in recovery and long-term heart health.”

The analysis included 22 new trials featuring almost 3,500 people. The studies included patients in low and middle-income countries who were testing digital programmes.

Researchers suggest exercise completed in the home may be just as beneficial as attending in-person sessions.

Professor Rod Taylor, also of the University of Glasgow, said: “This review confirms that exercise is a great tool for improving the overall health of people with coronary heart disease.

“By adding newer studies to this update, we’re able to see that digital programmes work as well as in-person programmes, which really changes the game here.

“These approaches may help us reach people who cannot attend traditional centre-based services.”

Dr Dibben added: “Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is an inexpensive and cost-effective intervention, but right now it’s underfunded and unprioritised.

“We want this option to be available to everyone.

“This new research shows you don’t even have to go into a rehab centre to benefit – you can participate from home and still see the benefits.”

The DUP and Ulster Unionist leaders have already held meetings, with DUP leader calling for unionist parties to co-operate ahead of next year’s poll

Unionists will not tolerate “egos” scuppering the “huge opportunity” that is next year’s Stormont Assembly election, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said.

Mr Robinson said unionists want to see unionist parties co-operating, and revealed he has met with UUP leader Jon Burrows and has more meetings planned.

The last Assembly election in 2022 saw Sinn Féin make history by being the first non-unionist party to top the poll, and Michelle O’Neill become the first nationalist First Minister.

Then Sinn Féin (27 MLAs) finished two seats ahead of the DUP (25), which now has 26 Assembly seats following the co-option of Peter Martin after the election of independent Alex Easton to Westminster in 2024.

Asked whether he believes his party can top the poll and reclaim the post of first minister, Mr Robinson described a “huge opportunity for the wider unionist community” and called for unionist parties to co-operate.

He said the UUP benefited from co-operation in the past, referring to the election of Tom Elliott to the Fermanagh South Tyrone Westminster seat in 2015.

“If 2022 taught us anything it’s that division costs – there are fewer unionists around the Executive table because of division within unionism, and so I believe that in this election in May, unionism can win if it is prepared to co-operate,” he said.

Duran Arnet was seen driving on the wrong side of the road in a bid to escape police

Advertisement

A man who sped down the wrong way in a bid to escape police has been jailed.

The dangerous driver was spotted by police as his red Ford Focus was flagged for intelligence. As officers attempted to stop the car on Thursday (September 10), Duran Arnet sped off.

The 36-year-old made off on the A4174 near Wick Wick Roundabout in a bid to evade officers.

Arnet also had a child in the car who was sitting in the passenger seat without a seat belt on.

As officers pursued Arnet, of Berwick Road, Easton, which he was seen driving into the path of oncoming traffic, drove at excessive speeds and he mounted the pavement. He also travelled the wrong way round the roundabout, Bristol Live reports.

Advertisement

Police said the dangerous driving continued through Longwell Green before the vehicle entered the Emerald Park area, where Arnet abandoned the car and ran off.

He tried to evade officers by running into the A4174 dual carriageway but was arrested after a short foot chase.

You can watch the dramatic police chase at the top of this article.

Amet was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop for police and using a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate.

He was remanded into custody and attended Bristol Magistrates Court on Friday, September 11, where he received an immediate custodial sentence of 28 weeks.

PC Jack Fare said: “Amet’s driving showed a complete disregard for the safety of other road users and pedestrians. Throughout the incident, his actions created significant risk to members of the public.

“It is particularly concerning that he carried out these dangerous manoeuvres while a passenger, who was a minor and not wearing a seatbelt, was in the vehicle.”

“We welcome the custodial sentence, which reflects the seriousness of his offending.”

The boy was found with a ‘knife injury’

Police have provided an update on an incident where a teenage boy sustained serious injuries in an attack. Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of a 14-year-old boy suffering a “knife injury” in Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, at around 4pm on Monday (September 14).

The boy was taken to hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. Officers arrested two 14-year-old boys in connection with the incident.

A police spokesperson said: “A 14-year-old boy from Peterborough has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, theft and possession of a knife in public. He will appear at Peterborough Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, September 16).”

The boy cannot be named for legal reasons.

Another 14-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assisting an offender has been released on bail until December 14. The victim remains in hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in .