Buying used: (2015-2017) Maruti S-Cross

GOOD FOR: Space, performance, efficiency

LOOK OUT FOR: Power loss, suspension wear, brake recall

The S-cross, launched in 2015, was the first model to be sold via Maruti’s premium Nexa dealership. Powering the S-cross is a fully imported 1.6-litre diesel engine developing 120hp and 320Nm of torque, and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. What you also get is a ground clearance of 180mm which is a boon considering our road conditions. On the inside, the top Alpha trim is well equipped, and although there is a good amount of plastic used, it doesn’t have that cheap and low-rent feel to it. You get a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and an SD card-based navigation system, along with a rear parking camera as well. The seats in the front are broad and supportive, and the rear is spacious enough to seat three.

 When the S-cross was revealed, it divided opinion and, sadly, didn’t get the response a Maruti gets in India, so the used car market isn’t packed with the model. It, however, would only take a bit of digging to find a decent example, and with the car being just three years old, the chances of finding one in good shape are high. But despite the Maruti badge, the S-cross does have its share of problems.

The engine, being fully imported, is sensitive to poor quality fuel which leads to power loss and a drop in efficiency. A side effect of using adulterated diesel is clogging of the fuel injectors, leading to their malfunction. What further affects performance are the stock JK Elanzo tyres which wear out prematurely. Make sure you change the tyres if you’re looking for better performance. Maruti had also issued an unofficial recall for the models manufactured between August 2015 to February 2016 to fix a faulty brake part that resulted in the seepage of brake fluid on to the calipers. You can check if the model you’re looking at was part of the recall by entering the VIN number on the Nexa website. Also, test the switches and buttons on the steering wheel to see if they are working fine. If not, it is a faulty contact coil that is a relatively easy fix.

Lastly, make sure you check for regular wear and tear parts like the brake pads and suspension; being a crossover, owners are likely to have taken the car off-road or over rough ground. Another thing to keep in mind is that the spare parts for the powertrain are all SGP (Suzuki Genuine Parts) parts instead of MGP (Maruti Genuine Parts), and are substantially more expensive. So if all of the above points check out, the S-cross 1.6 is a delightful driver’s car, along with plenty of practicality.

HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

Buyer beware …

Contact coil
While on a test drive, check if all the buttons and switches on the steering wheel are in working condition. If not, it could be the result of a faulty contact coil.

Fuel injectors
Sensitive to poor fuel, the 1.6-litre engine’s injectors are prone to clogging. If you experience a loss in power or a rough idle, the car in question is likely to need a new set of injectors. This will cost you Rs 16,800 each.

Also worth knowing

Check if the AC is working well. If not, it could be due to a faulty thermostat. Check if the engine temperature is normal, as high engine temperatures can damage the thermostat. Check for tyre wear as well. Make sure the clutch is in good shape. It is an SGP part and is almost Rs 8,000 more than the smaller-engine car. Give the front suspension a good inspection as it could have signs of wear too. Replacing the entire front suspension will set you back by
Rs 10,000, excluding labour. Lastly, a few cars also reported breakage of a bolt on the transmission mounting, so make sure you check that.

How much to spend

Rs 7-9 lakh
You won’t find too many examples in the used car market. However, a majority of the buyers opted for the top Alpha trim which has all the bells and whistles, so make sure you look for this variant. If you do find the Alpha, pay no more than Rs 9 lakh. Also, if you find a decent example of the Zeta, you can bargain further.