Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

Maruti Suzuki has introduced the 2020 S-Cross petrol compact SUV in India with prices starting at Rs. 8.95 lakh for the Sigma manual variant, going up to Rs. 12.92 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi) for the range-topping Alpha automatic variant. The new Maruti Suzuki S-Cross gets updated with the BS6 compliant 1.5-litre petrol engine, replacing the 1.3-litre diesel motor that has now been discontinued and the model now gets a single-petrol engine option. The new Maruti Suzuki S-Cross petrol is offered in four variants - Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha - and is offered in both manual and automatic transmission options. The crossover competes against a number of offerings including the Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the likes in the segment.

The biggest update on the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross comes to the powertrain. The compact SUV draws power from the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that develops 103 bhp at 6000 rpm and 138 Nm of peak torque available at 4400 rpm. The engine meets the new BS6 emission norms and also powers the Ciaz, XL6, Ertiga, and the Vitara Brezza in the brand's line-up. The motor comes with the SHVS mild-hybrid technology that enhances power delivery and fuel efficiency. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic unit. Maruti Suzuki claims an ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 18.55 kmpl on the manual, while the automatic returns 18.43 kmpl. The crossover is offered in a total of seven trims and five colour options.

Other features remain the same on the 2020 Maruti Suzuki S-Cross petrol including projector lens headlamps with LED daytime running lights, dual-tone alloy wheels, LED taillights and chrome highlights. The cabin is equipped with features like engine start-stop, SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth telephony, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming and antiglare inside rearview mirror, height-adjustable driver's seat, automatic climate control, cruise control and more.

The safety tech list comprises several driver aid features on the new Maruti Suzuki S-Cross including reverse parking camera, rear parking sensors, rear park assist, gear shift indicator, dual front airbags, antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder, high-speed warning alert, and the ISOFIX anchor for the child seats. The safety features are standard across all variants of the S-Cross Petrol manual, while the automatic variants also get with Hill Hold Assist that makes driving convenient on hilly terrain. The model also complies with safety norms including frontal offset crash, side-impact and pedestrian safety.

The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is one of the oldest offerings in the compact SUV segment and was first introduced in 2015. It was the first model to be retailed via the premium Nexa dealerships and was updated with a comprehensive facelift in 2017. The company has sold over 1.25 lakh units of the model so far in India.