Refreshed S-Cross likely to continue with same set of engines.

Maruti launched the S-Cross, its flagship crossover for India, in mid-2015. The model is now due for a mid-cycle refresh for our market. The carmaker has begun road-testing for the updated S-Cross in India. 

Speaking to us at the 2017 new Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch, C.V. Raman, executive director - research and development, Maruti Suzuki India, confirmed that “the S-Cross will get refreshed and launch will take place around Diwali”.

Suzuki showcased the updated S-Cross for international markets last year at the Paris motor show 2016. The India-spec model is likely to get similar styling updates too. As reported earlier, the front end of the car features an all-new upright grille with vertical slats, a redesigned bumper with a larger radiator grille and new projector headlamps.

Globally, Suzuki sells the S-Cross with the options of a 1.6-litre petrol and a diesel engine. The updated car also gets Suzuki’s 1.4-litre Boosterjet petrol engine that powers the Vitara which is sold overseas. However, closer home, the facelifted S-Cross is likely to be sold with the same 1.3-litre and the 1.6-litre diesel engines currently used in the crossover. Along with the S-Cross, the carmaker is readying additional new car launches for our market. 

The S-Cross will continue to be sold via Maruti’s Nexa premium dealership channel which also sells models like the Ciaz, Ignis, the Baleno and the sporty Baleno RS. 

Courtesy : Autocar

The new Micra for India will look similar to the European model, but will be based on the low-cost CMF-A+ platform.

Nissan is planning to bring the all-new Micra to India by 2019. The India-bound Micra will get the same design as the one already on sale internationally. However, the car could get a minor facelift by then.

Unlike the Euro-spec hatchback (K14) that is based on Nissan’s V platform, the India-spec Nissan Micra will be underpinned by the far more cost-effective CMF A+ platform.

Heavy localisation will also play its part in keeping costs low. As the CMF platform will also be the base of the all-new Nissan Sunny that is due sometime in 2018, this will help bring down manufacturing costs considerably. In addition, the group’s new 106hp, 1.5-litre petrol unit launched recently on the Duster could also be used on the Micra and the Sunny.

While no diesel engine is expected with the new Micra, the X-Tronic CVT automatic gearbox will be offered as an option to a five-speed manual.

The Micra currently competes in the competitive hatchback segment, along with the Maruti Swift and the Hyundai Grand i10.  

Courtesy : Autocar