Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

Expected Launch: July 2015
Expected Price: 8 - 14 lakhs

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Preview

We first saw the Suzuki S-Cross SX4 crossover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March. First developed and produced in collaboration with Fiat, the S-Cross SX4 is currently in its third generation and for the first time will spawn two separate models with the same naming convention. We in India,for the first time, are also expected to get the compact crossover due to a sudden spurt in demand for compact utility vehicles.

Exterior

The S-Cross SX4despite being a crossover has a very familiar shape that the Indian market will be able to recognise, thanks to the presence of the SX4 sedan that has been on sale here since 2006. The front gets a three piece black grille with the Suzuki logo prominently standing in the middle. The headlights are the same as before but now get daytime LEDs. There is a black plastic cladding running along the base with a bit under the number plate holder and doors in a silver shade.

The side profile has changed slightly from the previous vehicle with the roofline being altered slightly. At the back, the S-Cross SX4 retains a similar profile as the outgoing vehicle but now gets sharper features including a new design for the tail lamps. The silver and black cladding can be seen here too and runs the length of the rear bumper. Suzuki has also fitted roof rails but in India we expect that they will offer a carrier as an optional extra.

Interiors

Suzuki by virtue of being known for its mass markets vehicles follows the policy through and through. This is most reflected in the interiors which look very similar to the ones found on the smaller Swift. The steering wheel, gauges, gearbox, stalks and buttons are all exactly the same as is the case with the layout. In fact, if you were to blindfold someone and seat them in the car, it would be hard for them to tell which Suzuki vehicle they are sitting in. The only major difference is that in the four-wheel-drive enabled models there is a drive selector. The rear can seat three people comfortably and will fold down to expand the boot space.

Engines

The S-Cross SX4 is being offered with one diesel mill and one petrol engine. The oil burner is a turbocharged 1.6-litre unit that produces 120bhp and 320Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels or all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The petrol is also a 1.6-litre mill but is naturally aspirated. It produces 120bhp and 156Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels or the front wheels via a five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

          We can expect that Suzuki will tounveil the car in the second half of 2014 and is likely totbe launched at the start of 2015. It will give the Indo-Japanese automaker an entry into the highly competitive crossover segment and with their reputation and service network should do quite well. It is likely to be priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 14 lakh putting it in competition with the XUV500, Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster and the Ford EcoSport.

Price: Rs 8 lakh to Rs 14 lakh