Maruti S-Cross production starts, Indian launch in the first week of July - Report

Reported to get 1.3- and 1.6-liter diesel engines.

The Maruti S-Cross will be launched in India in the first week of July 2015, though production of the crossover has already commenced at Maruti's Gurgaon plant. The showcasing of the S-Cross took place yesterday (June 7, 2015) during the IIFA Awards Ceremony night, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The S-Cross for the Indian market, in spyshots, shows a new dual-slat chrome grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen Maruti SmartPlay infotainment system, automatic climate control and rear AC vents.

Reports suggest that the S-Cross will be powered by 1.3- and 1.6-liter Fiat-sourced MultiJet engines for India. The former will produce about 90 bhp while the latter develops 120 bhp, and comes paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. A petrol engine on the S-Cross still remains a question mark, as does an automatic transmission and AWD capability. These features are offered on the international variant though.

Also read: Maruti Celerio diesel launched at INR 4.65 lakhs

The S-Cross will be Maruti's second offering in the mid-premium line-up, after the Ciaz sedan. These cars will be sold at exclusive Nixa showrooms which are being set up across the country.

Rivals: Hyundai Creta, Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano
Expected Price: INR 8-11 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: First week of July 2015 (reported)

[Images of the S-Cross awaiting dealer dispatch can be seen at the source link - GaadiWaadi]