Maruti Suzuki S-Cross 1.5-litre SHVS petrol engine could launch later this year developing 104.7 PS and 138 Nm of peak torque
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) began its Nexa operations with the launch of the S-Cross back in late 2015. While the crossover did not get the attention the brand was looking for initially, as Baleno received tremendous recognition instead, the arrival of the facelift in October 2017 proved to be a difference maker.
The exterior and other changes resulted in the crossover getting good numbers from customers as it regularly averaged more than 2,500 units. However, the obvious lack of petrol engine in its lineup has taken the toll on sale in recent times. In June 2019, Maruti Suzuki managed to register 1,359 units as against 4,128 units during the same month last year.
Comparatively, the S-Cross posted a massive sales de-growth of 67 per cent and on MoM basis, the sales decline stood at 10 per cent. It is no secret that carmakers are working on meeting the BSVI deadline ahead of time and Maruti Suzuki is no different. It became the first volume-based brand to launch a BSVI equipped car.
Several weeks ago, Maruti Suzuki introduced the Alto 800 with BSVI-spec 796 cc engine and it was followed by the upgraded 1.2-litre DualJet petrol and 1.2-litre K-series petrol engines in the Baleno sticking by the upcoming emission norms. The Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre DDiS diesel will be let go before April 2020 leaving Maruti Suzuki to ponder deep as it is present under the bonnet of models like S-Cross and Vitara Brezza as a solo offering.
Later this year, the Indo-Japanese brand is expected to add a new petrol engine to the S-Cross’ portfolio. The most likely chance will be the 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol motor with SHVS technology. It debuted in the facelifted Ciaz and second-gen Ertiga and is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 104.7 PS and 138 Nm of peak torque.
It is paired with a five-speed manual as standard while a four-speed torque converter automatic is sold as optional in the Ciaz and Ertiga. The S-cross may not undergo any cosmetic updates as it already complies with the advanced safety regulations.