Maruti’s S-Cross coming next year...

Maruti is working on the S-Cross, a entry level baby SUV, which will go head to head with the Duster, Terrano and the entry level variants of the XUV500. It will not the same as showcased during the Auto Expo earlier this year as Maruti has a habit of ruining the looks whenever they try to improve the car. With a price tag expected between the 13-14lacs range, the S-Cross will work on the Hyundai’s principle by jamming it up with gadgets all over the place. So that means, the Japanese have started learning from the Koreans. Is that where our future is heading? Gulp!

The S-Cross will be more of a Crossover rather than upright SUV. This means that Suzuki has taken up a project which is going to be a lot more tough than expected. Crossover concept is fairly new in the Indian market and it has yet to spark its potential. However, Maruti will try and make it more dominating in looks by fitting it with 16-inch alloy wheels, albeit to the top-model only. High ground clearance, black cladding all around and metal scuff plates at the front and rear are some of the cosmetics you should expect as well. Will it come a 4 wheel drive system or not is still a mystery.

Under the hood, a Fiat 1.6 litre diesel engine will be the heart of this car. Churning around 118bhp and 320Nm of torque, it will have a decent kick once you stomp on the accelerator, provided they don’t make the car too heavy. To keep the costs down, most of the switches and the steering wheel will be shared from other Maruti cars.

In my opinion, this is a desperate attempt to to try and lure customers from the Renault, Nissan and Mahindra car lovers club. Whatever happened to the XA Alpha, this is something that Maruti has to get spot on. Yes it might have a good ground clearance and comfortable space inside for people but without butch looks and a commanding riding height, it will be tough to convince the customers.