Maruti Suzuki S-Cross facelift to be launched in India in 2017; crossover to come with petrol engine

The facelifted version of the S-Cross crossover, unveiled by Japanese car-maker Suzuki in the beginning of July in Hungary, is expected to make a debut in India next year. The pre-facelifted model of the car was the first Maruti Suzuki product sold via the Nexa premium dealership that was launched in the country in July 2015.

The new S-Cross comes with a new face that boasts a re-styled front bumper and a larger radiator grille. The chrome grille with vertical slats is complemented with the new projector headlamps. The headlamp unit also comes with daytime running lamps. While the side profile of the S-Cross remains untouched, the rear features slightly redesigned tail lamps and bumper.

The basic layout of the interior has been left largely unchanged. It gets features like new instrument cluster dials with MID and new seat upholstery with contrast stitching.

The new S-Cross for European market has been confirmed with 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine with four-wheel drive (4WD). The same engine may also debut in India next year. If not, Maruti Suzuki will opt for the 1.4-litre K-Series petrol engine that does duty in the Ciaz. The S-Cross is currently being offered only with diesel engines. It appears as if the move has been triggered by the decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ban diesel vehicles.

The 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre diesel units will continue to be offered. The 1.3-litre diesel motor churns out 89bhp power and 200Nm torque and 1.6-litre diesel engine tuned to pump out 118bhp and 320Nm.

Maruti Suzuki Nexa has just completed one year of operations in the country. The company has sold over 30,000 units of the S-Cross so far. It had initially received criticism from customers who were unhappy with the steep pricing. Maruti Suzuki then reduced the price of the S-Cross in January, and witnessed an increase in sales.