Maruti S-Cross all-wheel drive testing in India, but launch unlikely
ALLGRIP AWD system offered in other markets of the S-Cross.
Autocar India reports that Maruti is testing the S-Cross with the ALLGRIP AWD system which is currently not offered in the Indian market.
The AWD-equipped Suzuki S-Cross was spotted at last year's Raid de Himalaya and at this year's Desert Storm, both of which have Maruti as a key partner. So far, the factory team has been driving the discontinued Maruti Grand Vitara, and are looking to replace that with the S-Cross, so as to build the product image of Maruti's crossover as a rugged offering.
The prospect of an S-Cross 4WD is weak in the Indian market as it will raise the final ex-showroom price. Plus, the AWD components will have to be imported into the country. This is likely to be the reason why rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Honda BR-V do not offer AWD.
Also Read: Maruti S-Cross – First Drive Review
Currently, the S-Cross is available with a 1.3-litre diesel unit (dubbed as the DDiS 200) producing 89 bhp and 200 Nm and paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, as well as a 1.6-litre DDiS 320 diesel engine, which is capable of 120 PS and 320 Nm of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
[Source: Autocar India]