Maruti Suzuki S-Cross crossover spied testing as launch nears

If you thought it’s just the Ciaz that Maruti Suzuki has launched to take on the C and D segment markets, you would be surprised to know that the automaker is busy readying a new crossover model too. Called the SX4 S-Cross, this new model is currently sold in a few European markets although it made its Indian debut only this year at the 2014 Auto Expo.

The S-Cross made its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Upon launch, it replaced the SX4 hatchback sold in a few European markets. As one would expect, Maruti will make a host of changes to the vehicle to make it apt for the Indian market, before putting it on sale.

The Euro-spec S-Cross gets a pair of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. For the Indian market, the S-Cross could be offered with the familiar 1.4 petrol and 1.3-litre diesel, four-cylinder units. However, there are chances of the bigger 1.6-litre diesel unit debuting in India. This engine is basically an upscaled version of Fiat’s 1.3-litre Multijet unit that already powers a range of cars from manufacturers including Fiat, Maruti, Tata and Chevrolet.

The S-Cross will represent Maruti Suzuki in the highly competitive mid-size crossover segment when it arrives in India. The vehicle is expected to be launched in a price range of Rs 12-15 lakh, putting it in contention with Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and even the Mahindra XUV 500. Besides the S-Cross, Maruti is also readying the Swift Dzire facelift and the Alto K10 with the latter officially arriving on November 4 this year. 

Source: NDTVAuto