Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

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.

Maruti Suzuki's anticipated crossover from the 2014 Indian Auto Expo is coming next month. The vehicle has dropped SX4 tag from the name and is now christened as S Cross . It was recently unveiled at the 2015 IIFA awards ceremony in Malaysia. According to the latest report, the company has also started the production of this vehicle at its Gurgaon-based plant. Moreover, bookings are expected to start soon.

In terms of looks, the vehicle looks more of a crossover than a compact SUV. The styling justifies its crossover traits, unlike the European version, the Indian spec car gets new twin-slat chrome radiator grille. The new grille is flanked around the humongous swept black headlamps. The headlights get projector headlamps with daytime running LEDs, projector headlamps are expected to be standard. Speaking of the side profile, compared to its European country, Indian version did not get the diamond cut alloys.

Adding on the cabin, the vehicle gets an all-black cabin with silver inserts and since it is not a sub-4m vehicle, the space inside is decent enough. The boot space is also comparable with the rest of the peers in the segment. Moreover, the company's first crossover in the country will also feature SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system, similar to that of the Ciaz. Apart from this, the vehicle will offer automatic air conditioning with rear AC vents. And in terms of safety, Maruti will offer dual front airbags while multiple airbags can be expected on this vehicle along with ABS and EBD.

Mechanically, the vehicle is expected to come with multiple engine options to keep the prices varied over the range. Starting with the diesel, the crossover with 1.6-litre DDiS diesel Fiat sourced engine has been spied in the country and is most likely to be available with it. Apart from this, there will be engines from the sedan both 1.3-litre DDiS200 diesel and 1.4-litre K14B petrol.

The 1.6-litre diesel, just like in Europe, will be mated to a 6-Speed manual while the rest of the motors will be mated to a 5-Speed manual. It is also expected, that it might come with a CVT automatic transmission, on later stages. The 2015 Maruti Suzuki S Cross will pitch head-on-head with Renault Duster, upcoming Hyundai Creta, Nissan Terrano along with Mahindra Scorpio and Tata Safari.