Maruti Suzuki, India’s biggest carmaker, has given further details of S-Cross, the premium hatchback that is set to be launched next month, at an investor event in Mumbai today.
In a presentation, Maruti Suzuki said the S-Cross will create a new class, and has been built on a brand new platform.
“S-CROSS offers bold and aggressive looks, Maruti Suzuki’s most powerful diesel engine, high torque at low revs, a max torque of 320Nm, high performance suspension for enhanced handling cornering and stability….. PLUS the comfort, premiumness and feature-rich interiors of a sedan,” it said.
With income levels rising, India has seen a rising appetite for bigger cars. While many opt for sedans like Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, there are many youngsters who find the sedan too ‘grown up’ or old fashioned.
Filling this gap has been a slew of ‘premium’ hatchbacks/light SUVs like Renault Duster, Ford Ecosport and so on.
“The S-CROSS will build aspirations for every customer who is evolved, appreciates technology, has a defined taste, is willing to settle for nothing but the best. The S-CROSS perfectly complements and
recognizes the rising aspirations of a new generation of Indians that has seen success early in life,” Maruti said.
At the same time, the S-Cross will not cost as much as a regular SUV. It is expected to have a starting price of around Rs 8 lakhs (10 lakhs on road) — largely the same as that of the Duster.
The Ford Ecosport is cheaper by around 1.5-2.0 lakhs. On the other side, the Mahindra XUV 500 – a proper SUV – has a price that starts at around Rs 11.4 lakhs (around 13 lakhs on road).
Going by the description given by Maruti Suzuki, the S-Cross will be have practically all the comforts that have come to adorn vehicles in this class, and could hit sales of Mahindra XUV 500.
“What also makes the S-CROSS special are the host of special features like Cruise Control, Rain sensing auto wiper, All Wheel Disc Brakes, Auto IRVM, Self-adjusting clutch and fully synchronized reverse gear mechanism and HID (High Intensity Discharge Projector Headlamps with Auto function), among many others,” said the company.
EXTERIORS
According to the company, the S-CROSS design embodies the three key themes of emotion, quality and aerodynamics.
“A characteristic and bold crossover shape, dynamic and strong character lines, emotionally appealing styling and several sophisticated touches, all combine to create a highly distinctive look for the S-CROSS.
“The polished and imposing front and the stunning rear appearance blend well to provide the distinctive look of an SUV. With a quality look and an aerodynamic form that promotes fuel economy, the S-CROSS has a smooth flowing roof line that slopes downward toward the rear; and smooth contours that flow from the front bumper to the doors to the rear end. The sporty rail roof and bold cladding at the rear impart high road presence and accentuate the aggressive styling of the Cross Over.”
INTERIORS
“The interior design language has been clearly expressed through flowing surfaces and liberal use of high quality surface finishes,” the company said in its presentation.
With an optimum user-centered space management, the occupants get ample comfort in its plush seats, and families will appreciate the 353°810 ltrs of boot space.
PERFORMANCE
The S-Cross comes with a powerful DDiS 320 diesel engine under the hood, S-CROSS delivers a maximum torque of 320 nm(G)1750 rpm.
“It zips from 0-100 kmph in just 11.3 seconds! The vehicle has a variable geometry turbocharger that ensures high torque even at low revs and easy driving over a wide range of driving speeds with its 6 speed Manual transmission.
“When this is coupled with a high performance suspension that ensures enhanced handling, cornering performance and stability, it makes the SCROSS a sheer thrill to drive. Introduce best in class fuel efficiency of 22.7kmpl” and the S-CROSS becomes a must have for the customer. The DDiS 200 trim delivers maximum torque of 200Nm.G) 1750 rpm and best in class Fuel Efficiency of 23.65kmpl. The DDiS trim zips to 0-100 in 13.2 sec.”
TECHNOLOGY
The vehicle comes with Pendulum Mounted Engine High Performance Suspension with aerodynamic design for Lesser Engine Room enhanced handling and Cornering Floor under cover, Low Vibration for Performance and Stability Tension Piston Rings etc.
SAFETY
S-CROSS with its Hi-Tensile Steel Body and dual side air bags, keeps occupants safe and reassured. From accident avoidance to occupant protection, the S-CROSS leads the way in its category.