Maruti SX4 S-Cross is ready to announce its arrival in the highly flourishing compact sedan/crossover segment. Though, it is already on offer in several international markets but Indian roads haven’t been fortunate enough to see this beast sprinting. It would be at loggerheads with the segment leader Renualt Duster in the country. Additionally, Ford EcoSport & Nissan Terrano would be its potential rivals. However, in the international markets, where it is already sold, its foes are Skoda Yeti and Nissan Qashqai. Let’s have a look at the crossover’s exterior, interior, engine specs, and price against its arch rival Duster.
Exteriors: The SX4 S-Cross takes its designing cues from its sibling – the SX4 sedan, which was received quite well by the Indian buyers during its 5 year stint. At the front, The SX4 S-Cross would be flaunting day time running LEDs that would distinguish it from the rest as neither the Duster nor the Terrano boast day time running LEDs. The all new front grille compliments well these stretched out headlamps. The sleek tail lamps with black cladding and chrome integrated fog lamps at both the front and the rear ends appear exorbitant. Moreover, the curves above the headlamps along with aluminium roof rails provide it a much sportier stance than its contemporaries. Also, the massive alloys wheels, chrome handles, wing mirrors with turn indicators at the side profile enhances the oomph factor of the crossover. Did we forgot to mention that it comes with a panoramic sunroof abroad, but in India, it may miss out on it as the sunroof eats up the headroom.
Interiors: Being constantly snapped as test mule, the interiors of the SX4 S-Cross appear exquisite with premium leather upholstery. Then, there is the conventional 3-spoke company steering wheel which is visible in several Maruti offerings like Swift, Swift DZire and Ertiga. The instrument panel resembles to that of the Swift hatchback. However, while captured uncamouflaged during test runs, it wasn’t featuring a Start/Stop button but it is almost certain that the company would not give it a miss when it is launched. The overall dash design, again, is a reminiscent of the Swift siblings and done in black with silver inserts for gear knob, A/C vents and audio player. On, other hand, if we look at Duster & Terrano; then there is no dilemma in propounding that they come loaded with several advanced, up-market and striking interior features. However, there is still quite a time left in the launch of this crossover and meanwhile, Renault might bring the facelift version of Duster compact SUV, which is already on sale in international arenas.
Price: It is quite certain that SX4 S-Cross would be priced above Rs. 10 Lakhs, owing to the previously mentioned sophisticated features and dynamic exterior appearance. On the contrary, if Maruti is successful in pricing the base variant below Rs. 10 Lakh, then it may give the likes of Duster and Terrano a run for their money as the former comes in a price bracket of Rs. 7.86 – 11.91 Lakhs, while the latter also fits in the almost equivalent price range of Rs. 9.47 – 12.30 Lakhs (All price are Ex. Showroom, Delhi). Hence, it would be quite interesting to watch how Maruti SX4 S-Cross is priced upon its launch in India, a country where pricing is the ultimate key to success.
| Technical Specifications | Maruti Suzuki S-Cross SX4 | Renault Duster |
| Petrol Engine | 1.4-litre K Series VVT | 1.6-litre K4M petrol |
| Diesel Engine | 1.3-litre multi-jet/ 1.6L multi-jet | 1.5-litre dCi K9K |
| Power Output Petrol | 94bhp | 102bhp |
| Power Output Diesel | 89bhp/116bhp | 84bhp/108bhp |
| Torque Petrol | 130Nm | 145Nm |
| Torque Diesel | 200Nm | 200Nm/248Nm |
| Mileage/Fuel Economy | 15kmpl petrol & 19-20kmpl diesel | 13kmpl petrol/ 20.45 & 19.01kmpl diesel |
| Transmission/Gearbox | six-speed manual transmission | 5-speed manual petrol & 85PS diesel/ 6-speed manual 110PS |
| Overall Dimensions (mm) | ||
| Length | 4300mm | 4315mm |
| Width | 1765mm | 1822mm |
| Height | 1575mm | 1695mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600mm | 2673mm |
| Fuel Tank | 50-litres | 50-litres |
| Ground Clearance | 170mm | 205mm |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear | Drum | Drum |
| Price | ||
| Petrol | N/A | Rs. 7.86-9.12 lakh |
| Diesel | N/A | Rs. 8.70-11.91 lakh |
