Our series of the A to Z of cars has now reached the letter ‘S’!
For automobile manufacturers, ‘S’ is a popular letter, with the likes of Skoda, Ssangyong and Seat all being well known players in the industry.
Similarly, there have been numerous makes of cars available in Australia over the years that begin with this letter.
In this article, we will highlight some that have made an impression in one way or another on the Aussie car scene.
Here are 8 superb cars that begin with the letter ‘S’.
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a highly impressive mid-size luxury sedan that has been available in the Australian market since its initial release in 2000. Since then it has forged a good reputation for safety, performance, and luxury features.
The latest generation of the S60 has a range of engine options, including the T5 petrol engine which has 187kW and 350Nm of torque, and the T8 petrol-electric hybrid engine with 287kW and 640Nm. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The Volvo S60 also counts advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking among its impressive safety features. While its luxury features include a large touchscreen infotainment system, premium audio system, and panoramic sunroof.
Audi S4
The Audi S4 is a popular choice among Australian buyers looking for a high-performance luxury sedan that is both practical and stylish.
Part of the Audi A4 range, it is known for its powerful engine, impressive handling, and advanced technology features.
The Audi S4 features a sleek and stylish exterior, with a sporty front grille, aggressive air intakes, and signature LED lighting. Its interior is equally impressive, boasting high-quality materials and comfortable seating options.
Currently available in Australia with a V6 petrol 3.0-litre engine, the Audi S4 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission . It also comes standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
The vehicle is also equipped with an excellent range of technology features including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Mercedes S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan that has been a fixture on Australia’s car scene for several decades.
It is a popular choice for Aussies who want a high-end luxury sedan that offers a great combination of advanced technology features, luxurious interior options, and a powerful engine.
Notable for its sexy design, which features a large front grille, sculpted lines, and LED lighting, the car runs on either an inline-six 3.0-litre petrol turbocharged engine, a turbo diesel 2.9-litre inline-six engine or a 4.0-litre V8 petrol twin-turbocharged engine. All of which are paired with standard rear-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also available as an option.
One of the most notable aspects of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is its luxurious interior options that include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
It also impresses with advanced technology features like a large digital display screen, the latest MBUX infotainment system, and advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Suzuki S-Cross
The Suzuki S-Cross is a compact crossover SUV that has been available in the Australian market since 2013.
The car is marketed as an affordable option for those who want a stylish, practical, and versatile vehicle that can handle all kinds of driving conditions. It is also a popular choice for families and young professionals who want a car that can accommodate their needs.
One of the main selling points of the Suzuki S-Cross is its affordability. The car is priced competitively and comes with a range of features and technology that you would typically expect to find in more expensive models. For example, the base model of the car comes with a touchscreen display, reverse camera and Bluetooth connectivity. There are also higher-end models available that offer additional features like satellite navigation, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
In terms of performance, the Suzuki S-Cross is available with two engine options – a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a four-cylinder 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offer good fuel efficiency. The car also handles well on the road, thanks to its responsive steering and suspension system.
Additionally, the Suzuki S-Cross also offers a spacious interior with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers. The boot space is also generous, making it a great choice for families who need to transport a lot of cargo.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a brand-new car that has recently been introduced to the Australian market. It is a compact pickup truck that offers a unique blend of style, performance, and practicality. The car is aimed at younger buyers who want a car that can be used for both work and play.
What sets this vehicle apart from some of its competitors is its spacious and versatile interior. The car has seating for up to five passengers and features a flatbed at the rear, which can be used for transporting cargo. The bed is also equipped with a range of features, including a lockable tonneau cover, tie-down points, and a power outlet.
The car is available with the choice of two engine options – a four-cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine and a four-cylinder 2.5-litre diesel turbocharged engine. Both are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offer good fuel efficiency. It also handles very well on the road, thanks to its responsive steering and suspension system.
Lexus SC 430
The Lexus SC 430 is a luxury sports coupe that was introduced to the Australian market in 2001. It is a two-door, four-seater car that is aimed at drivers who want a combination of style, performance, and comfort.
One of the main features of the Lexus SC 430 is its elegant and refined exterior. The car features a long, low profile with a bold front grille, smooth lines, and a retractable hardtop roof. The interior of the car is equally noteworthy, with high-quality materials and a range of features and technology, including heated leather seats, a premium sound system, and a touchscreen display.
The Lexus SC 430 is also known for offering a terrific range of safety features, which include multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. It is also equipped with a suit of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera to maximise your protection whilst on the road.
When it comes to performance, the vehicle is powered by a V8 4.3-litre engine that is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. It also has a very nifty top speed of 250 km/h!
Additionally, the car also features a range of performance-enhancing features, including adaptive suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and electronic stability control. All of which make it both practical and fun to drive.
Skoda Scala
In late 2019, the Skoda Scala was launched onto the Australian car market with some excitement.
Taking the form of a compact hatchback it has enjoyed good early success with Aussie buyers who are looking for a compact car that can easily drive in both the city and country without sacrificing style or performance.
A five-door car, it is admired for its spacious and practical interior which offers plenty of legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The boot space is also generous, with a capacity of 467 litres that can be expanded to 1410 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Additionally, the car offers a range of technology and safety features. These include a large touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and keyless entry, as well as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Skoda Scala comes with a choice of engine options including a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine and a four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine. It also comes with front-wheel drive as standard and is paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. Both offer good fuel efficiency and can handle well on the road, thanks to its responsive steering and suspension system.
Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that was introduced to the Australian market in 2019. It is a versatile and stylish car that is designed for drivers who want a combination of practicality, safety, and advanced technology.
One of the key selling points of the Kia Seltos is its tough yet elegant exterior. It features a bold front grille, distinctive headlights, and a range of eye-catching colour options. The vehicle is also equipped with roof rails, which add to its practicality and versatility.
Inside, the car has plenty of headroom and legroom for both the driver and passengers and good storage which enables you to transport a decent amount of cargo.
The car is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission and comes with either a four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
