Why should I buy it?
Refined petrol engine, ease of automatic option, spacious cabin.
Why should I avoid it?
Lacks inspirational value, Could have been loaded with more features and safety equipment.
What is it?
For the first time since its introduction back in 2015, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross is being offered with a petrol engine. It also gets an automatic for the first time mated to the new K15B engine which also does duty elsewhere in the Maruti’s line-up. This motor also gets the SHVS mild-hybrid system as standard. We first saw it at the 2020 Auto Expo, and now we have driven both the manual and automatic versions of the new BS6 S-Cross petrol in this review.
In terms of styling, Maruti Suzuki hasn’t made any changes to the BS6 S-Cross from the facelift it received back in 2017. Apart from the missing DDiS badge, there’s no way of telling this petrol from the older diesel models. There’s no badge/logo distinguishing the automatic either. So the new S-Cross soldiers on with its amicable styling introduced three years ago, which includes that toothed chrome-surround grille, bulbous headlamps, 16-inch dual-tone alloys and body cladding. Not that the design looks dated, but we think buyers would’ve appreciated if Maruti worked on cosmetic tweaks to make the new S-Cross appear fresher.
Similar to the exterior, the S-Cross is pretty familiar in every possible manner. So what you get is a well-laid out interior which is not only spacious but ergonomic as well. Upfront, the seats are easy to get into, are comfortable and offer ample support. So finding the correct driving position isn’t difficult. You get sufficient headroom, and even the under-thigh support for the seat doesn’t let you down. Visibility is good too, aided further by the door-mounted ORVMs.
There are soft-touch materials used on the centre dash and door pads while the materials used elsewhere in the cabin also have a solid feel to them. For practicality, there are two cup holders, with more stowage place below the centre console, there are armrest storage and large bottle holder on the door pads.
Sitting in the centre of the dash is Maruti’s new seven-inch Smartplay Studio touchscreen, which, as we know, is much better than the older unit. An improvement could have been the coloured MID screen instead of the black-and-white unit we have here.
Getting in the rear bench is easy as well owing to the right seat height and large doors. Once in, there’s more than sufficient legroom on offer. But the headroom is barely enough for me (I am 5.6’) and taller occupants will find it to be a tight fit. Otherwise, the rear is spacious, even for three occupants. There’s no rear AC vent here though. Meanwhile, the large boot space of more than 350 litres is fairly usable owing to the squared floor and less intrusions. You can fold-down the 60:40 rear seats for more space but the seats don’t fold flat.
On the flip side, we think the new S-Cross does miss out on a few key features – even in this top-spec trim. So with the update, we’d have expected features like sunroof, connected car tech, cooled glovebox, and a better sound system. Even on the safety front, the S-Cross could do with more than two airbags, ESP and traction control and front parking sensor.
Now let’s talk about how the S-Cross petrol drives. Under the hood is the same engine which now does duty in the Ertiga, XL6, Ciaz and also the Vitara Brezza. It is the 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated unit making 103bhp at 6,000rpm and 138Nm of twisting force at 4,400rpm. It’s paired either to a five-speed manual or a four-speed torque converter automatic. Standard with the powertrain is the SHVS mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter generator and Lithium-ion battery helping with brake energy regeneration.
First up, the manual. Crank up the motor and the engine settles into a noiseless idle with no vibrations felt inside the cabin. Depress the clutch – which is light and effortless – and you’d notice how smooth and slick-shifting the gear lever is. Once on the move, there’s an ample amount of low- and mid-range grunt to effortlessly cruise around the city. With the max torque available in the mid-range, it’s where the motor feels the happiest. We also noticed how tractable the motor is. There’s no need to downshift from second- or even third-gear puttering around congested city traffic. However, go over 3,000rpm and the motor gets vocal. But this isn’t an unpleasant din you hear. It instead is, a lovely bawl of a naturally-aspirated four-banger.
So for quick overtakes and a sudden burst of acceleration it is best to keep the engine between 2500-4000rpm. Even though the peak power arrives close to redline at 6000rpm, you never really need to rev all the way to get the most out of this engine. Which means the engine remains mostly unstrained, be it for city usage or highway commutes. Having said that, there’s no way of knowing that the mild-hybrid system is working in the background. There’s, however, a display on the MID screen letting the driver know when the battery is recharged under deceleration, or when it’s aiding the engine in the torque assist.
As for the automatic, the four-speed torque converter is smooth and convenient at sedate speeds. The shifts aren’t noticeable at all and even in kick-down, there’s little to no delay. We don’t expect it to be as quick-shifting or smooth as a dual-clutch unit or a CVT. The torque converter does the job brilliantly in the city. But the limitation of this four-speed unit is felt on the highway where the performance would have felt more relaxed with more cogs since this one’s got fewer gears to play with. In terms of fuel efficiency, Maruti Suzuki claims the motor could do 18.55kmpl paired with a manual, while the automatic is good for 18.43kmpl.
The ride quality in the new S-Cross is still on a firmer side, especially at slow speeds. So the occupants might feel each bump and irregularity inside. But it must be mentioned that the ride doesn’t get to a point of being uncomfortable. It does get better as the speed increases and the S-Cross manages to flatten out everything in its path with ease, even those unexpected potholes on monsoon-ravaged roads. What’s more, the crossover feels planted at triple-digit speeds as well. Meanwhile, the steering is well-weighted too and has good feedback. Although it’s not the quickest, it is direct and remains like that at higher speeds. Lastly, the brakes do a solid job of stopping this 1640kg (gross) crossover as well.
The S-Cross has always remained an understated hero in the Maruti Suzuki line-up. It is spacious, well-built, and offers good driving dynamics too. After dropping the desirable yet expensive 1.6-litre diesel it continued only with the 1.3-litre unit, which has now been put to rest as well. But even today, the S-Cross makes sense for someone looking to buy a spacious and inconspicuous crossover, packed in a compact dimension. Sure with the BS6 update, we expected more styling and equipment upgrades, both on the inside and out. Especially since its competition has gone miles ahead now. Adding a mild-hybrid system also makes the petrol motor more frugal. In the end, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross makes for a great city-slicker and decent highway companion with a hassle-free ownership experience.
Prices for the new S-Cross start at Rs 8.39 lakh and go up to Rs 12.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Which means it makes for an alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks and the new Kia Seltos apart from some variants of the sub-four metre SUVs like Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300.
Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi
Engine & Transmission
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
The official title given by the manufacturer in terms of the name of the engine, the displacement and the number of cylinders.
A bigger displacement and more than four-cylinders generally indicate a performance-oriented engine.
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
Gives a good idea of the performance of the vehicle under full thrust. A higher figure here usually means a higher top speed as well.
Higher the power, the peppier the engine but it can also affect fuel economy.
Relates to in-gear acceleration. A higher figure here means better roll-on acceleration, fewer gear shifts, and possibly better fuel efficiency.
The more torque at low RPM range makes the engine feel more responsive. It also allows the engine to run smoothly without too many gear changes.
This is the maximum fuel efficiency that an engine gives. All numbers are provided by the manufacturer based on tests conducted and specified by the standards of the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
Such fuel efficiency attained while driving in special conditions makes it unlikely to get it in real-world conditions
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
Dimensions & Weight
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
It’s the space between the lowest point of the car and the ground.
If the car has a good amount of clearance, it’s easier for it to clear big speed breakers and overall, deal with bad roads.
The total weight of the vehicle with all the standard equipment and all the required fluids.
A lightweight car will always be more efficient and easier to manoeuvre whereas a heavy car would give you a sense of solidity while driving.
Capacity
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
Boot space defines how practical the car is with respect to how much luggage it can carry.
A boot with a large and wide opening is ideal for loading heavy items. Additionally, a lower loading height also makes it easy to put in luggage.
The official volume of the fuel tank of a car, usually denoted in litres.
If a car has a large fuel tank, it can cover long distances without refuelling.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
The official kerb-to-kerb minimum radius a car takes to complete a 180-degree turn.
Shorter the turning radius, the lesser space you need to make a tight turn or to take a U-turn.
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Safety
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
Safer three-point seatbelts for passengers seated in the middle of the second row of seats.
Budget cars are usually fitted with more economical lap belts for the middle-occupant.
A headrest for the middle occupant of the second-row of seats.
Budget cars are usually not offered with headrests for the middle occupant of the second-row to save on costs. Headrests are instrumental in reducing whiplash injuries in case of an accident
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
Anchor points or strap systems built into car seats to keep child seats in place, especially during a crash
ISOFIX is an international standard for child seat anchor points, but not all car manufacturers follow this standard
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
A system that sends the car's power to all the four wheels at the same time
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
A feature that limits the car's speed without any driver input while traversing down descents
This function prevents wheelspin and maximises traction by shuffling torque between wheels
It is also a nifty safety feature since it offers more control over a vehicle's power delivery
Locking differentials split power/torque evenly among both tyres on an axle.
In off-road vehicles, locking differentials allows for better traction when one of the wheels is in the air, in FWD/AWD cars allows for better corner traction and in RWD sports cars allows for drifting around corners.
Locks & Security
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
The option of being able to access the boot space while sitting inside the car
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Telematics
An app based feature that allows one to find where their car is located/parked
The requisite app will provide information regarding various functions such as speed and fuel alerts
A service that triggers actions like notifications and security alerts when a car enters/leaves a set location
A call that's made automatically by the car to the local emergency services in the event of a crash
Similar to how smartphones receive updates, a vehicle too (if equipped with connected car features) receives updates over the air via a cellular or WiFi connection
Timely installation of updates keeps the system up-to-date
The smartphone app turns on the car's AC to attain the required cabin temperature even before one boards it
More so comes in handy when cabin temperatures are extreme before you board the vehicle
The smartphone app allows one to remotely lock/unlock the car's doors from just about anywhere
This function is helpful when the key fob isn't working properly
The smartphone app lets you remotely open/close the sunroof of your car
This function saves valuable time by not having to be physically present to shut the sunroof, which could otherwise result in the interiors getting damaged by rain/intruders.
The smartphone app sounds the horn and flashes the headlights of your car so that you can locate it
Seats & Upholstery
Rear seat adjustments make for an enlarged luggage space when there's lots of baggage to haul.
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
This row could either be a bench or a pair of jump/captain seats
When the need arises, the last row can double up as space for luggage.
Cooled air from the AC system passes through the perforations on the seat to comfort the occupant
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
The various color shades used within the cabin
Some rear seats have the option to be be folded to offer more practicality
Sections of the rear seat are capable of being folded down separately
This function bumps up practicality as the boot space increases when required.
The pockets behind the front seats which help rear seat occupants store their stuff
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
Although a seemingly minuscule feature, it negates the hatchback's/SUV's inherent ability to retain dirt/water on the rear windscreen.
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Exterior
Ensure the sunroof is closed before exiting the vehicle to prevent dirt/rain from entering the cabin
The compactness of the roof-mounted antenna prevents its damage in certain situations
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
A strip of rubber fitted to the sides of the car's doors or bumpers to prevent dents and dings
Opt for quality strips because the cheaper ones tend to come off too soon/look shabby.
Lighting
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
A type of lamp that improves driver visibility while driving through fog
The yellow/amber fog lights are preferable as they are warm to the eyes and do not reflect from the fog.
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
This function allows specific data like 'speed' to reflect/project on the windscreen in the driver's line-of-sight
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
The ability to connect to the internet and communicate with smart devices to perform various functions
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
The music player that comes factory fitted
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
The storage device within the car's infotainment system
The capability of the infotainment system to play DVDs
Manufacturer Warranty
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Variants | Price | Specifications | Specifications | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 11.48 Lakh | 5 Person, FWD, 138 Nm, 180 mm, 1151 kg, 353 litres, 5 Gears, K15B Smart Hybrid, No, 48 litres, 890 Km, No, No, Front & Rear, 18.5 kmpl, Not Tested, 4300 mm, 1785 mm, 1595 mm, 2600 mm, 138 Nm @ 4400 rpm, 103 bhp @ 6000 rpm, Keyless, Yes (Automatic Climate Control), Front & Rear, 1, Reverse Camera, Yes, Yes, 1, No, Yes, No, 2 Airbags (Driver, Passenger), Yes, 0, BS 6, 5 Doors, 18.5 kmpl, Petrol, Manual, 103 bhp | Get Offers from Dealers |
4.7/5
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Not Purchased | Driven forDid a short drive once |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase Used | Driven forFew thousand kilometers |
Exterior
Comfort
Performance
Fuel Economy
Value For Money
Purchase New | Driven forFew thousand kilometers |