When Maruti Suzuki initially launched the S-Cross, it didn’t particularly sell in large numbers, but this crossover has been a very important model for the brand nonetheless. Back in 2015, it was the first product to be sold under the premium Nexa retail network. Ever since, it has been Maruti’s most premium offering in the entire line-up. For 2020, the S-Cross has been launched with a BS6-compliant petrol engine, with the BS4 diesel variants having been shelved earlier this year. Prices start at ₹ 8.39 lakh for the Sigma variant while the top-of-the-line Alpha model is priced at ₹ 12.39 lakh.
Same face
The S-Cross remains unchanged on the outside. The high-set, muscular bonnet remains with its sharp lines. The toothy, chrome grille looks smart, flanked by the LED projector headlights and LED DRLs. The front-end definitely gives the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross good road presence. There’s a character line on the sides along with 16-inch, machine-polished wheels. At the rear, the tail lights get an LED treatment.
Features to play with
It features a new Smartplay Studio touchscreen infotainment system, 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED projector headlamps and DRLs, auto headlamps and wipers, cruise control, rear-view camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and go and leatherette upholstery on the top-of-the-line Alpha variant. Standard safety features include hill hold assist function, ABS, rear parking sensors, high-speed alert system, front seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX child seat mounts and dual airbags.
Lots of room
In the cabin, there are lots of soft-touch materials, and dashboard gets a glossy black piano finish along with satin-polished chrome trim. You also get leather upholstery on the top-of-the-line model The seats at the front are comfortable and offer ample support and the driving position can be adjusted, thanks to the rake and reach adjustment for the steering. At the rear, it is spacious and the 375-litre boot is big enough.
What’s new with the petrol engine?
There is no longer any diesel engine on offer in the S-Cross. Instead, it gets a BS6-compliant 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 103bhp and 138Nm of torque; this is the same engine that does duty in the Vitara Brezza, Ertiga, Ciaz and XL6 and also comes with the brand’s mild-hybrid technology, which includes engine stop-start. A 5-speed manual gear will be offered as standard, while there is a new 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox available in the S-Cross for the first time. The mild-hybrid system is available in both, manual and auto guise. The petrol auto model delivers a fuel efficiency figure of 18.43kpl, while the petrol manual model delivers 18.55kpl.
The competition
The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross takes on the likes of the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Kia Seltos.