HomeCar Reviews2017 Maruti S-Cross Review - The new Maruti Flagship

2017 Maruti S-Cross Review – The new Maruti Flagship

Based on the first generation SX4 hatchback, S-Cross was first launched in 2013 for the European market. Known as SX4 S-Cross in some of the markets, India debut of the S-CrosExteriors

Front of the S-Cross gets new chrome grille with a huge Suzuki logo in the centre. This is in alliance with their new global design language for new gen cars. Just next to the grille are the projector headlamps with LED DRLs. Under the headlights are fog lamps surrounded in chrome strip. The lower bumper also gets faux skid plates in the front and rear, adding to the SUVish look of the S-Cross.

The side profile does look attractive, thanks to the aerodynamic nature in which the strong bonnet lines merge into the A pillar which then seamlessly flows to the rear of the car. On the side you also notice new 16 inch machine cut alloys. The rear of S-Cross features LED stop light on the roof spoiler, LED tail lamps in triangular shape, Suzuki logo just above the license plate, in the centre and reflectors just above the skid plate.

Another interesting feature of the exterior design is the black plastic cladding which surrounds the lower part of the entire car. Unlike the previous S-Cross, which looked more like a larger hatchback, this one looks more like a crossover. Overall, the front does give an impression of a big car. Compared to the pre-facelift, which looked outdated, this new facelifted S-Cross looks modern and premium.

Interiors

Interiors of Maruti S-Cross feature a premium touch and feel. The quality of materials used is also best in segment. The all black dashboard with soft touch surface and silver accentuations on the centre console, air vents, door handles and steering wheel; gives the new Maruti S-Cross a classy as well as sporty feel. It is quite evident from the interior that the car was developed for the European market.

Boot space with rear seats in upright position is at 353 litres. With them folded, you can increase it to 810 litres. The rear seats can be folded in 60-40 splits.

Spare wheel and tool kit are placed under the floor of boot. On the side of the boot, you will find two pockets, for additional storage. You also have first aid kit and a 12V charging point with a lamps in the boot.

Additional space can be found in the form of pockets in all doors, which can easily store 1 litre bottles each. Apart from that, front seats have pockets in the rear for the storage of newspapers, magazines, files, etc.

Engine and Transmission

Engine1,248 cc DDiS 200 Smart Hybrid diesel
Power66 kW @ 4,000 rpm
Torque200 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
Transmission5-speed Manual
Length x Width x Height4,300 x 1,785 x 1,595 mm
Wheelbase2,600 mm
Fuel tank capacity49 litres
Boot space353-375 litres
Tyre Size215/60 R16
Kerb Weight1215-1240 kg
Mileage25.1 kmpl

Mileage claimed by this engine is 25 kmpl, which is an improvement of 7% as compared to the older DDiS 200 variant of S-Cross. This has been made possible due to the addition of Smart Hybrid system. This is the same SHVS system we have already seen in Maruti cars like DZire and Ciaz.

Features and Variants

Features on offer with the new S-Cross include all black interiors with silver accentuations on the dashboard and leather upholstery. 18cm SmartPlay infotainment system with navigation and multimedia capabilities, rear parking sensor, electric folding ORVMs with turn indicators, tilt and telescopic adjustable leather steering wheel with audio, system and cruise controls; auto AC, arm rest for front and rear passengers, best in class rear leg space, soft touch instrument panel with high definition display; reclining rear seats with 60:40 split.

Comfort features on offer are driver side Anti-pinch window, rain sensing wipers, adjustable seat height, overhead sunglass holder, push start, keyless entry, and HID projector headlamps with LEDs.

For safety, the S-Cross comes with dual airbags, all four disc brakes, ABS, and hi-tensile steel body. Weighing 1215 – 1240 kgs (older S-Cross weighed 1250-1275 kgs), Maruti claims that the car is tested for frontal offset crash, side impact and pedestrian safety as per Indian norms.

SigmaDeltaZetaAlpha
(In addition to features of Sigma trim)(In addition to features of Delta trim)(In addition to features of Zeta trim)
Dual front airbagsRoof rail (black)Machined alloy wheelsRoof rail (silver)
ABSGlove box illuminationORVMs with indicatorsLED DRLs
All four disc brakesFront footwell illuminationFront fog lampsLED projector headlamps
Chrome front grilleReverse parking sensorReverse parking cameraLED stop lamps
Split rear tail lampsAudio unit with CD playerSmartplay infotainment systemDoor armrest with leather finish
Chrome finish AC ventsDoor speakers (4)Apple CarPlay and Android AutoLeather seat upholstery
Fabric seat upholsterySteering mounted audio and calling controlsElectrically foldable ORVMsLeather-wrapped steering wheel
Tilt steeringBluetooth with AUX and USBAuto ACAuto headlamp levelling
Speed sensing auto door lockAudio remote controlRear centre armrest with cup holdersAutomatic headlamps
Remote keyTelescopic steeringDriver seat height adjustRain sensing wipers
A/C with heaterSliding front armrest with storageReclining rear seatsAuto dimming IRVM
Seat belt reminderSunglass holderLuggage room accessory socket
Soft touch plasticsDriver footrestPush button start/stop
Silver finish on centre consoleCruise control
TFT MID
60:40 split seats
Driver side auto up/down

Drivability

Weighing a little over 1.2 ton, the S-Cross delivers a very matured feel when it comes to driving. It is calm, composed and well behaved; but that can change very quickly, thanks to the refined 1.3l engine. For an enthusiastic drive, its best to operate the car between 1800-4200 rpm.

But if you want a relaxed drive, say adhering to speed limits, cruising at 80 kmph, S-Cross does it in fifth gear and that too at 1800 rpm. This is when real time mileage indicator shows 30 kmpl while you have put cruse mode on!!! Sadly, if you want to overtake, you will need to down shift. The fifth gear’s gear ratio is longer than other gears, which is good for cruising but not for accelerating.

On curves, the wider 215/60 JK Tyre rubber starts screeching very easily, but does not lose grip. The car maintains composure even during hard braking and sudden manoeuvre as ABS kicks in perfectly. Steering is sharp and delivers decent feedback.

Driving the S-Cross inside the city does not require much effort, gears slot smoothly and the clutch pedal hardly offers any resistance. Bumps and potholes are swallowed in easily, without passing on much disturbance into the cabin.

Speaking about engine noise, though refined, it is not the quietest in the segment. Diesel clutter is hard to miss when you are standing outside the car. But once inside, the clutter is almost gone. Such is the insulation of the cabin. NVH levels are fantastic.

Verdict

Maruti is on a record run. Every month they are posting increase in sales, and this is not a industry trend. In fact, they are increasing their market share too. Launching new cars which resonate well with car buyers in India and updating their service network quality has given Maruti a very good lead against rivals in India.

New S-Cross has everything which a Maruti loyalist is looking for, when he or she is looking to upgrade in the Maruti family. In addition to that, it has got enough to attract those who have not thought of Maruti as a potential buy in this segment.

The car’s design was a problem, but this has now been taken care of. The updated S-Cross looks stylish, bold and premium. Priced at an aggressive price tag, Maruti is all set to have yet another successful product in the market.

New 2017 Maruti S Cross Price in India

VariantEx-Showroom, Delhi
SigmaRs 8.49 lakh
DeltaRs 9.39 lakh
ZetaRs 9.98 lakh
AlphaRs 11.29 lakh

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