Maruti-Suzuki might be crushing its competitors in the sales charts with amazing regularity but their product portfolio isn't what one would call complete. Crossovers or Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) were one of the several missing products in its lineup. After a seemingly unending wait, in comes the S-Cross to fill that void.
It might be dubbed 'The Premium Crossover' but Maruti-Suzuki's newest model looks just like a big hatchback. In fact, its staid looks could be its biggest undoing as most of its competitors wear SUV styling elements to mask their crossover underpinnings. That said, the S-Cross isn't a bad looker. Based on the SX4 sedan and hatchback, the S-Cross features large, swept-back headlights and a muscular front bumper. The grille has been tweaked for India and has the ubiquitous chrome highlights. A prominent shoulder line runs from headlight to taillight on either sides with the latter being one of the most impressive elements in the S-Cross. Black body cladding that runs the full circumference, faux skid plates and silver roof rails ensure that the S-Cross would get the attention it deserves on the road.
Step inside and the S-Cross would surprise you. Having seen the car inside and out, we can vouch for the fact the S-Cross' cabin is unlike any Maruti we have seen before. Plush all-black interiors with silver inserts look the part and quality levels are better than most of its competitors. The familiar Suzuki steering wheel has multiple functions incorporated in it including Cruise Control while a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the center console. The top-end 'Alpha' variants are quite loaded with HID projector headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, keyless entry with push button start, navigation system, smartphone integration with voice control, automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery.
The sales charts have proved time and again that vehicles in this segment sells predominantly with diesel power. Maruti-Suzuki has taken no pains to introduce a petrol variant of the S-Cross but has equipped the crossover with two diesel engines. While the base variants get the tried and trusted 1.3-liter DDiS engine that produces 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque, the higher variants have a 1.6-liter DDiS engine with 120 PS and a whopping 320 Nm of torque. Both these engines are sourced from Fiat and its commendable that Maruti-Suzuki has beaten the seemingly dormant Italian car-maker in bringing the 1.6-liter Multijet to our shores. The 1.3-liter variants are paired to a 5-speed manual transmission while the 1.6-liter variants have a 6-speed manual gearbox. No automatic transmission is on offer though.
Priced between INR 8.34 and 10.75 Lakhs, five variants of the 1.3-liter S-Cross is available - Sigma, Sigma (O), Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The 1.6-liter though is only offered in three trim levels - Delta, Zeta and Alpha, priced between INR 11.99 and 13.74 Lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi and introductory.
Trying to move away from its budget car-maker image, Maruti-Suzuki has been taking conscious efforts to move into the premium strata. In fact, the S-Cross would be exclusively retailed at the company's new NEXA sales outlets set up in major cities across the country. With so much investments pouring in, it is clear that the 1.6-liter variants of the S-Cross has borne the brunt of it. We can't think of any other reason that could justify the INR 3 Lakhs premium that Maruti-Suzuki is charging for the bigger-engined version.
The S-Cross has taken time to come to India but, now that its here, what are its prospects? The limited sales network notwithstanding, we expect the 1.3-liter variants to sell well while the 1.6-liter variants will have a tough time convincing customers to sign their cheques.
People complained about Ecosport's price revisions but look at this. What is Maruti thinking? Even Creta looks good value now.
ReplyDeleteThey have priced the 1.3 variants very well. But the 1.6 is priced too optimistically.
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