Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Likely To Get 1.5-Litre Petrol Engine Soon
The diesel-only compact crossover is expected to be offered with the mild-hybrid petrol engine in 2019 itself
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Come April 2020, Maruti will not sell any diesel cars in India.
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Maruti’s diesel-only cars like the Vitara Brezza and the S-Cross could get a petrol engine soon.
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S-Cross is likely to get Maruti’s latest 1.5-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech.
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Petrol S-Cross could be priced lower than equivalent diesel variants.
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Diesel-only S-Cross is priced between Rs 8.86 lakh to Rs 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
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The 1.5-litre petrol engine that powers the Ciaz and Ertiga can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Back in 2015, Maruti Suzuki introduced its premium Nexa chain of dealerships with the launch of the S-Cross crossover. Offered with the option of two diesel engines - a 1.6-litre and 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced units - initially, the S-Cross is now sold exclusively with the latter. However, with Maruti Suzuki deciding to discontinue its diesel-powered cars from April 2020, it is pretty obvious that the S-Cross will soon be offered with a petrol engine. Best of all, it might happen sooner than you think!
From the current set of petrol engines that the company offers in India, it is possible that the S-Cross could get the new 1.5-litre K15 engine coupled with the carmaker’s ‘Smart Hybrid’ mild-hybrid technology featuring an additional lithium ion battery. This unit was first introduced on the Ciaz facelift and then on the second-gen Ertiga where it is offered with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 105PS and 138Nm and is expected to be offered in the same state of tune in the S-Cross. While this engine currently adheres to BS 4 norms, it should soon be upgraded to meet BS 6 regulations.
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz |
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga |
|
| Engine |
Price Range (ex-showroom Delhi) |
Price Range (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| 1.5L petrol MT |
Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 9.98 lakh |
Rs 7.45 lakh to Rs 9.51 lakh |
| 1.3L diesel MT |
Rs 9.20 lakh to Rs 11.03 lakh |
Rs 8.85 lakh to Rs 10.91 lakh |
| 1.5L diesel MT |
Rs 9.98 lakh to Rs 11.38 lakh |
As seen in the pricing of the Ciaz and Ertiga with the different powertrains, the petrol-powered S-Cross is likely to be cheaper by nearly a lakh or more. That would mean that the Maruti S-Cross could have a starting price of less than Rs 8 lakh with the 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine coupled with the manual gearbox. With the possible introduction of the 1.5-litre petrol engine, the S-Cross will also get an automatic option for the first time in India.
While it will be the end of the road of the diesel-powered S-Cross by April 2020, Maruti might introduce a BS 6-compliant diesel engine if there is enough demand for it. The company has hinted that it could plonk a BS 6-compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine or something even bigger. So, it is likely that the carmaker’s in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel will make its way into the S-Cross, provided Maruti plans to reintroduce diesel cars after April 2020.
Also read: Maruti Vitara Brezza To Get A Petrol Engine Soon?
Read More on : S-Cross diesel