The last one to get a BS6 compliant engine from Maruti’s stable is the S-Cross. After being paired with a highly efficient and reliable 1.3 Litre MJD diesel engine, it is now replaced by a 1.5-litre K-Series petrol engine. We spent some couple of hours driving the Maruti S-Cross Petrol and here in this review, we have talked about all the things you need to know and our drive review!
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Exterior
Let me tell you briefly about the highlights on the outside and inside. It gets LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs and projector fog lamps. Then there’s this chrome plated grille which came on the facelifted version launched in 2017. On the side, it continues with the same 16-inch alloy wheels. If you go for the base spec and mid spec trim, you will get wheelcaps.
From the side profile, it may seem like a small SUV but in fact, it is a pure crossover. Its shape and design language is somewhat unique and there are very few crossovers now. It continues with the black plastic cladding over the body to complete its crossover look. for On the back, there’s a rear wiper, washer, LED tail lamp and of course, the SHVS mild-hybrid badging.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Interior And Features
Inside the cabin, there’s no change except a new 7-inch Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment gets voice assist, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is smooth to use and very easy to look at. Maruti S-Cross Petrol continues with an all-black interior theme with silver accents over the cabin. Nevertheless, this might be the most premium cabin from the Maruti/Nexa stable till date.
Moving on, it gets a twin-pod analogue console with a MID in between showing all the information, also including the details about the mild-hybrid system. Then there’s the centre console with automatic AC and from what we can see, a lot of cubby holes. Lastly, on the steering wheel, you have the options of cruise control, audio and phone controls and another important highlight is the rain sensing wiper. In terms of features, it comes with all the important features you need but not with jazzy premium ones.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Engine Performance And Gearbox
I am sure, many of you might be missing the diesel engine of S-Cross. Actually, we miss the first 1.6 Litre diesel engine that came on the S-Cross pre-facelifted one. Now, it gets a 1.5 Litre K-Series petrol engine that produces 105 BHP and 138 Nm of peak torque. While it gets a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque converter, we are driving the 5-speed MT variant.
Let me tell you that the engine is not at all enthusiastic. It is otherwise, quite smooth and follows a very linear acceleration. The juice of the engine starts coming as the speed moves up but not after a certain RPM number. Throughout the drive, the engine remained calm and offered a soothing drive experience.
The torque generation is available throughout the entire range which makes the city driving a nice experience. You have torque right from under 1500 RPM. Even if you are on the second gear with speed at just 10 km/hr, the car will show no lag. It will take time to pick up the desired speed, but yes, it will pick up. If you have to do a quick overtake, then you will have to shift down the gear, definitely.
The clutch pad is very light and that paired with a slick-smooth gearbox makes the whole experience very comfortable. I can assure you that even while going in choco-bloc traffic, you won’t feel the pain in your knees or in your hands. Although, the need for the fifth gear is felt badly as the car enters triple-digit speed and with just 5 gears to throw.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Suspension And Handling
Moving on to the handling part, the steering wheel of S-Cross is perfectly balanced. Not too light nor to heavy. Most of the times, you won’t find the need to use both of your hands. As the speed increases, the feedback of the steering increases and gets more assuring.
Putting the S-Cross through corners, we realized that it is built for it. It behaves very maturely while taking sharp curves at high speed and the roll-over is also in control. The suspension setup is towards the stiffer side, managing to absorb most of the potholes and damaged roads. If you throw a sharp pothole at the crossover, you won’t be tossed but you will be uncomfortable. The stiffer setup will definitely help S-Cross remain well planted on the highways.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Braking
Interestingly, Maruti S-Cross gets disc brakes at both the ends. As a result, the bite of the brakes is quite good and manages to come to an assuring halt with just a hint of pressure on the brake pedal.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Refinement and NVH Levels
Here’s one thing that we definitely want to talk about in our review of Maruti S-Cross petrol. The engine is very refined and the NVH levels are really low. Even if the AC and music is not switched on, you won’t hear the engine noise until 2500 RPM. If AC and music is working, you are noise-free till the car reaches 3000-3500 RPM.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Mild Hybrid System and its working
As part of the BS6 upgrade, S-Cross gets Suzuki’s SHVS mild-hybrid technology. That helps the car in initial torque acceleration, under 1500 RPM and also in achieving slightly better mileage. This technology also offers the auto start-stop system which works when the engine is idle for more than 10 seconds. After 40-50 seconds, the engine resumes automatically. If you need to engage your engine before that, you just have to press the clutch. There’s no lag between the engine disabling and engaging.
Maruti S-Cross Petrol Review – Verdict
Coming to the verdict of the Maruti S-Cross Petrol, Yes I have liked the car. It’s a car that I will enjoy as my daily commuter. Its petrol engine might have lost on efficiency and the extra torque when compared to the diesel engine, but is still likeable in its own way. With prices starting at Rs 8.39 Lakhs going up to Rs 12.39 Lakhs, it’s very affordable and a complete VFM package. While it’s dimensions are bigger than the Vitara Brezza, it’s definitely a better option compared to the compact SUV. The price difference between both of them is not that high. From our side, S-Cross Petrol is a complete yes for buyers with a budget of around Rs 10-11 Lakhs.
