S-Cross Facelift Bookings Open, Launch On September 28

The S-Cross might not have set sales charts on fire since its debut in 2015. But it definitely helped set the tone for Maruti's Nexa brand of dealerships. The well-built crossover was just what the manufacturer needed to kick off a new inning. 

Speaking of new innings, the S-Cross facelift looks set to take centrestage at the swanky Nexa showrooms yet again. Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that the crossover will be launched on September 28. Bookings are officially underway as well, for a token amount of Rs 11,000. The butch Suzuki can be booked at Nexa dealerships only, of which there are 280 across the country. Alternatively, you can reserve one by logging onto Nexa's website or ringing up their toll-free number. 

What's different?

The big news, of course, is that the S-Cross won't be available with the 1.6-litre diesel anymore. The Fiat-sourced engine, although a handful inside the city, was nothing short of a delight on an open highway. We're sad to see it go.  Now, that means Maruti's staple 1.3-litre engine will be the sole engine for the S-Cross. But there's a twist. The four-cylinder engine will feature Suzuki's SHVS (or SmartHybrid) tech, that should help it eke out a better fuel efficiency figure. The motor will continue to make 90PS and 200Nm, and will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission. There's no word of a petrol-powered S-Cross, nor of an automatic one.

Maruti has also taken the term facelift quite literally. The S-Cross now gets a more upright face with a larger chrome-laced grille. The headlamp has been redesigned to a look angrier too. Rounding off the list of changes on the outside are 16-inch two-tone wheels (that are now wrapped in wider 215/60 section tyres) and all-LED taillamps. There's a new 'Nexa Blue' colour to choose from, over the usual silver, grey, brown and white. 

The interiors are practically the same as the outgoing version. While Maruti hasn't shared a picture with us they say it now features 'satin chrome' accents and a soft-touch dashboard, and new fabric upholstery. Like we predicted, the SmartPlay infotainment system now features Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay. As far as safety is concerned, dual airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child seat mounts continue to be standard across the range. 

Currently, prices for the S-Cross range from Rs 8.05 lakh to Rs 10.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The updated iteration will be available in the same four trim levels - Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. We're expecting the asking price to remain virtually unchanged considering there's not a whole lot that's different. It will lock horns with the new kid on the block, the Renault Captur, over and above its usual rivals - the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster.

Recommended Read: Renault Captur Review: First Drive