Maruti Suzuki S-Cross will likely get new 1.5-litre SHVS petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines; the latter is debuting in Ciaz next month
The facelifted Maruti Suzuki S-Cross launched back in October 2017 brought a new sense of enthusiasm into the crossover’s lineup as its sales figures began climbing up in no time. The first vehicle out of the Nexa premium dealerships saw its average monthly sales increase to 4,000 units since the updated model came in.
The S-Cross is offered in just four variants and it could be a downside for customers expecting more out of the current flagship model. With negative sentiments over buying diesel models increasing across different volume segments and the fuel price difference is getting narrower every day, Maruti Suzuki definitely needs a petrol engine to endure sustained sales over a long period of time.
The new 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15B petrol engine with SHVS technology produces 104.7 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm in the facelifted Ciaz. The mild-hybrid system with dual battery setup also made its way into the new generation Ertiga and is an odds on favourite to be plonked onto the S-Cross as well during the course of this year.
Moreover, the powertrain can be had in both five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic helping in expanding the S-Cross’ range further. The S-Cross currently uses a 1.3-litre DDiS four-cylinder Multijet diesel engine producing 90 PS at 4,000 rpm and 200 Nm at 1,750 rpm. The SHVS technology aids in achieving 25.1 kmpl claimed fuel efficiency and is sold only with a five-speed manual transmission.
Maruti Suzuki will likely opt for the upcoming 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine that will debut on the Ciaz midsize sedan next month. It develops 95 PS power at 4,000 rpm and 225 Nm of peak torque delivered between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, and is mated to a new six-speed manual transmission.
In the Ciaz, it delivers 26.82 kmpl and we can expect the ARAI-rated economy to be around 23 kmpl in the S-Cross. It is expected to ensure lowered NVH levels as well as in the Ciaz. The engine won’t be a SHVS unit and the smart hybrid system could be introduced at a later time.