Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Spied Testing in India for the First Time

Maruti Suzuki had a single SUV in its product line up in the form of Grand Vitara. The SUV was sold in India via the CBU route and lacked a diesel engine. Combined with the high CBU pricing and petrol only option, the Vitara couldn’t manage decent numbers fro Maruti. With the S-Cross, Maruti Suzuki is trying to capture a share in the crossover-SUV segment.

In February, Maruti Suzuki India Limted showcased the S-Cross at the Auto Expo 2014. Now, the car has been spotted testing on the Indian soil for the first time. This S-Cross test mule has been spotted in Manali.

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With the S-Cross, Maruti Suzuki will be making its entry into the rapidly growing mid-size crossover-SUV segment in India. According to reports, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross India launch is likely to happen early next year. For the Indian market, the company will be making a lot of changes before launching it here.

In the international markets, the Suzuki S-Cross is available with ‘Allgrip’ all-wheel-drive system. It is uncertain whether the same will be offered in the Indian version. The S-Cross features off-roader characteristics like high ground clearance, black cladding all around and metal scuff plates at the front and rear.

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The Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is expected to come with LED daytime running lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interiors of the Indian version of the car will sport a two-tone beige and black color scheme and will come with a lot of bells and whistles. Much of the switchgear and even the steering wheel will be shared with other Maruti models to keep costs in check.

The S-Cross is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. This unit will be sourced from Fiat, which also provides the 1.3 liitre diesel motor to Maruti and other car makers in India.This 1.6 litre block pumps out 118bhp of max power and 32kgm of peak torque, and is expected to be connected to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Upon its India launch, the S-Cross is likely to be priced at around INR 13-14 lakh and will lock horns with the Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster and the upcoming Hyundai compact SUV.

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