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Maruti Suzuki S-Cross 2017 drive review: Re-inventing itself to reach new highs

In its new avatar, does the 2017 S-Cross manage to not just shed its old image but offer a whole lot vis-à-vis its direct rivals? Read our first drive review.

When first launched in 2015, the S-Cross failed to find its mark in the Indian car market. Maruti Suzuki may have pinned a lot of hopes on the car that claimed to be an SUV but a number of possible factors – shape, price and competition – contributed to the car not achieving the levels of success that its siblings have enjoyed. While it may have so far been a blemish on an otherwise impressive product portfolio, the country’s largest auto company is determined to change S-Cross’ fortunes and have now launched the 2017 version.

In its new avatar, does the 2017 S-Cross manage to not just shed its old image but offer a whole lot vis-à-vis its direct rivals? Read our first drive review.

Exteriors: The biggest and most noticeable change in the all-new S-Cross is how it now looks. And the biggest change in the exteriors is a massive ten-slat vertical grille that lends the car a muscular appeal. Outlined by a generous addition of chrome, the grille is flanked by equally attractive projector head lights with DRLs. The only complaint on the front is the decision to go with halogen fog lamps which look quite mismatched with the overall front profile of the car which now gets svelte lines on the bonnet.

The side of the car is equally smart and the biggest change here comes in the form of wider tyres with extremely contemporary dual-tone 16-inch diamond cut alloys. The rear of the vehicle is quite similar to that of the outgoing model but the addition of LED tail lamps keep things interesting.

Overall, while the car continues to look far removed from being an SUV, the new S-Cross does appear fresh and pleasant in visual appeal.

Interiors: There was a big need to update the interiors on the S-Cross and the 2017 version mostly does justice to what the Indian car buyer of today expects from his vehicle at this price point.

The all-black interiors with satin chrome accent finish define the changes on the inside while the soft-touch dashboard and the smooth seat fabric lends a touch of sophistication.

There is also a lot for those looking for creature comfort and technology with the infotainment system on the S-Cross now coming with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay technology. There are four speakers, two tweeters and voice command which can be controlled via an app. There is also automatic airconditioning, rain-sensing wipers, gear shift indicator and anti-pinch driver side window which rolls down the glass when it senses an obstruction – among others.

On the flipside, rear AC vents – the importance of which cannot be emphasized on enough – are a massive miss. Space on the inside is not much to boast about either with rear knee, height and shoulder room being adequate at best. The fifth passenger inside the S-Cross will continue to feel a little out of place – especially on long journeys.

Drive: The S-Cross now comes only in the 1.3 litre option with the company deciding to not bring back the 1.6 version. While this is indeed a big disappointment for car enthusiasts, the decision makes sense considering how little fanfare the more powerful engine when the car was first launched.

The engine – now branded as the DDiS 200 – holds its own however and can offer a steady driving experience. The car remains agile and nifty in city conditions, and the torque assist function helps it break away from jams well enough. The gearbox is a but rough when compared to smoother transmission in cars like the Creta but daily commutes in the 2017 S-Cross is unlikely to be a trouble at all.

Even on highways, the car manages to gain good ground all the way to triple digit speeds and feels confidently planted. Where it does show its weakness is when the straight and level lines begin to fade. On uphill drives, the car reveals some of its in-capabilities with the need to go aggressively at the gearbox becoming evident. There is also the grunt from the engine which seeps into the cabin when putting the car through inclines. While these may appear as very minor when the car stands alone, it becomes glaring when put up against some of its direct rivals.

Where the S-Cross manages to score well though is in now getting the mild hybrid (SHVS) technology as seen in the Ciaz and Ertiga. The company claims this helps the car deliver better mileage than ever before.

In addition, the car also scores well on safety front and complies with upcoming crash tests in the country for full frontal impact, frontal offset impact and side impact.

Verdict: The all-new S-Cross starts at Rs 8.49 lakh and goes up all the way to Rs 11.29 lakh (ex showroom, Delhi). It manages to address most of its previous drawbacks and is several steps forward from Maruti Suzuki. With choices galore for the Indian consumers though, the S-Cross may yet continue to face tough challenges in the SUV segment. Those looking for a complete – and non-SUV package though, the S-Cross has more than enough on its resume to keep things interesting.