It’s raining SUVs this season; right after the launch of much anticipated Creta SUV from Hyundai, comes Maruti’s S-Cross SUV that has been making noise for quite some time now. Unleashed today in diesel variants only, S-Cross is the first model to be retailed through exquisite Nexa showrooms. Despite having a premium appeal to it, Maruti has successfully kept its ‘value for money’ instinct intact and this is what makes MSI market leader in a price sensitive and complex market like India.
As a product Maruti Suzuki S-Cross has the potential to carve a niche for itself in the competitive SUV segment. But what may not work for the vehicle is the soft stance endowed with some elements from the phased out SX4 sedan. Styling is not very engaging but MSI has done its bit to make it look convincing. The low slung engine hood and low ground clearance make it look more like a jazzed up hatchback boasting of pompous dimensions. Hence, the SUV does not stand on par with rivals like Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano and latest entrant in the segment Hyundai Creta in terms of outer appeal.
Up front, nose gets HID projector head lights in the high end variants. Radiator grille features two chrome slats, lower bumper comes fitted with fog lights with chrome surrounds and a silver element right below the air intakes. Black cladding all around the body and other features like roof rails, antenna, mounted spoiler and striking window frame divided in four parts of glass. Roof rails are not long enough to serve its purpose. 16 inch alloy rims are wrapped on the tyres, the multi spoke alloys rather give a hint of hub covers and do not look appealing. Outside rear view mirrors and outside door handles are coloured in body colour. The wing mirrors feature incorporated LED turn indicators and come with power adjustable function. Rear is endearing, angular tail lights appear captivating and black bumpers.
Hop inside and cabin to be surprised by the commendable job done by Maruti Suzuki India. It is not just the space that makes it a sumptuous offering but a feature rich cabin that gets a raft of fancy features on board. Space as mentioned above is lavish both in front as well as rear offering enough room for adults to be seated hassle free. Leather upholstered seats are available in the range topping variant only, all the grades placed beneath it get simple fabric seat covers. Plastic quality could have been better; fit and finish could also have been better to render the cabin a more premium feel. Leather treatment can be seen on the steering wheel, gear shift lever and arm rests in doors.
Storage space in the cabin is generous, each door gets a cup holder, arm rest in front centre and rear centre is also provided. Besides, various cubbyholes are present inside for the purpose of storage. Boot space is mediocre, it measures same as in the new Jazz that is around 353 litres, even with the rear seat folded in does not create much space as expected in a SUV.
Upscale interiors include a list of prominent gadgets such as keyless entry, tilt steering, power windows, illuminated glovebox, telescopic steering, steering mounted controls for audio system, automatic climate control, height adjuster for driver’s seat, reclining rear seat, reverse camera, rain sensing wiper, auto dimming rear view mirror, navigation system, SmartPlay infotainment system and voice command.
Petrol variants are ruled out, hence the new S-Cross range gets diesel engines only. There are two engine on offing, both sourced from Fiat. The first is the Fiat’s very well received 1.3 litre Multijet engine equipped in lower variants. The powerful motor known for its performance and also seen in other Marutis propagates maximum power of 89 Bhp and top torque of 20.39 kgm. A five-speed manual transmission is coupled to the diesel engine. High end variants in the range feature 1.6 litre diesel powerplant tuned to engender 118 Bhp and 32.6 kmg of pinnacle power. This engine works in unison with a six-speed manual gearbox.
There are certain attributes that set Maruti products apart; one of the parameters that MSI cars lead in compared to other vehicles is a frugal motor that confines the running cost significantly. S-Cross too has been endowed with this attribute and promises to deliver impressive fuel economy. Claimed fuel economy for the 1.3 litre diesel engine is 23.65 kmpl. The higher displacement 1.6 litre diesel powertrain returns ARAI rated fuel economy of 22.7 kmpl which is again remarkable.
Priced aggressively at Rs 8.34 lakh for the entry level variant, the S-Cross range could fade away Creta’s sheen which costs substantially more than S-Cross (diesel variant). Even other rivals in the segment are overpriced compared to S-Cross and this is what is going to work in its favour. The top-end 1.6 Alpha grade gets Rs 13.74 lakh price tag, compared to the top spec trims of rivals this seems a tad pricey. What remains to be seen is whether customers will opt for a high priced Maruti instead of bigger options like Creta and Duster.
Though it has come late and lags behind on the outer appeal but S-Cross has other traits that give it an edge over rivals. It may not look as big from outside, but as they say all good things come in a small package. Step inside and you will be swayed by the charming interior styling and presence of plenty advanced features aboard. Besides, it is fuel efficient probably one of the most frugal options in compact SUV segment. But yes, it lacks an auto tranny and all wheel drive system available on Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster respectively.
Despite several attempts, MSI just could not get rid of the budge brand tag that has been haunting it for long. Its success as hatchback car has been a hurdle in path of premium segment, and models like SX4, Grand Vitara and Kizashi testify this theory. To MSI’s respite, it has taken a wise step in the right direction towards building a new image. The exclusive Nexa outlets could be MSI’s window to the premium segment, for now S-Cross is the only model to be sold under Nexa’s roof.
Story Courtesy
Shubhananda Bera from www.autoportal.com