The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross in India is Maruti’s first premium offering that is sold through the new NEXA range of showrooms. The new Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is priced between Rs 8.34-13.74 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi and will go up against a whole range of cars. The S-Cross DDiS200 with its lower price tag will combat the likes of the Ford Ecosport and the upcoming Mahindra TUV3OO, both of which are much smaller compact SUVs while the larger engines DDiS320 variant goes up against the Renault Duster and the Hyundai Creta along with other competition like the Nissan Terrano and the Mahindra Scorpio.

The S-Cross does not looks like it will turn many heads on the road. It rather looks like a big-hatchback, let alone be a compact-SUV, but the tag of premium crossover will make customers expect few big things out of the S-Cross.

At the front the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross gets a bold two-slat chrome grille that flaunts the company’s logo. On either side, are those massive projector type headlights with Daytime Running Lights. The S-Cross will sport 16-inch alloy wheels, disc brakes on all four corners and scuff plats up front. To make the S-Cross look aggressive in profile, Maruti Suzuki has fitted it with black cladding on the door and wheel arch. At the back the taillights get chrome accents. Other features include, button start, reverse parking sensors and steering mounted controls.

Maruti is offering the S-Cross with the choice of two diesel engines. The 1.3-litre turbocharged DDiS 200 with the power rating of 90bhp and 200Nm is similar to one on the Ciaz and Ertiga with a five-speed manual powering the front wheels. Suzuki is also introducing the 1.6-litre turbocharged DDiS 320 with this car, which is tuned to produce 120bhp and 320Nm of torque. The imported Fiat engine comes mated to the six-speed manual transmission. The ARAI rated fuel efficiency of the 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre is 23.65kmpl and 22.70kmpl respectively.

Safety features on offer are anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) system, hill assist, etc.

Maruti has put in a lot of effort to make the S-Cross interior look premium. It gets the all-black treatment in line with its sporty image. The top-spec versions have plenty of features including the start-stop button, cruise control, touch-screen music system, navigation, leather seats, auto headlamps, reverse parking camera and sensors. The only bits missing from the S-Cross when compared to its competitors are the rear AC vents and the charging point at the back.

The S-Cross can comfortably fit four people and the third person on the rear bench is bit of a squeeze due to the width and also the transmission tunnel. The boot too isn’t large enough at 353 litres, though it can be expanded to 810 litres after folding the rear seats.

Other key exterior elements are plastic cladding all around the body, roof rails, 16 inch alloy wheels, etc which make it look quite rugged. The cabin of the car takes its design inspiration from other Maruti Suzuki cars including the Swift and Ciaz. The S-Cross features leather seats, all black interiors with silver inserts, engine start-stop button, steering mounted audio controls, SmartPlay infotainment system, reverse parking camera, 2 Din audio system and automatic climate control.

In terms of specification, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross gets two diesel engines. The 1.3-litre engine will make 90PS of peak power and 200Nm of peak torque. This variant will be badged DDiS 200. The larger 1.6-litre engine will get 120PS of peak power and 320Nm of peak torque from its turbocharged diesel engine. This variant will be badged DDiS 320. Maruti has also chaged the way they name their variants with the new S-Cross. Gone are the LXI, VXI and ZXI badges to be replaced with Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha in ascending order. The DDiS version wil be available in five varaints, Sigma, Sigma (O), Delta, Zeta and Alpha while the more premium DDiS 320 will get only three variants, i.e. Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The DDiS 320 will weigh 1250kg and will feature a six speed gearbox. The DDiS 200 will weigh 1180kg and will be mated with a five speed manual gearbox. The S-Cross will also feature ground clearance of 180mm and a 48 litre fuel tank.