Maruti S-Cross long term review, first report

Maruti’s S-Cross may not have received the attention that some of its rivals did, but underneath it all, this is a seriously accomplished car that’s well suited to our conditions.

Published on Feb 15, 2016 06:00:00 AM

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Maruti S-Cross long term review, first report

Raised suspension is ideally suited to our broken roads.

Front seats are big, very comfortable and there’s plenty of space around.

Raised suspension allows it to tackle bad roads easily.

But this is soon forgotten once the boost cascades in, hard and strong. The S-Cross is now just catapulted forward, and I just love the way the car shoots past traffic if I keep my foot down. And what helps no end is the quick and relatively light six-speed gearbox that allows you to keep it on the boil. Yes the S-Cross makes you wait a bit, and that can be frustrating in traffic, but use the gearbox correctly and it’s an absolute riot. It even spins its wheels in second as you are pressed back in your seat.

I soon learn to drive the car in its powerband when I’m in a bit of a hurry and then the S-Cross feels extremely rapid, making up gaps in city traffic with an effortlessness that’s genuinely pleasing. And this diesel enjoys being spun fast, which only adds to the experience. How I’d love to have this engine in a Swift Sport: come on Maruti!

The S-Cross is even very capable when it comes to intercity excursions. The big driver’s seat supports my thighs and shoulders perfectly on the long drive up to a nearby hill station and because it’s basically a raised hatch, the S-Cross also feels right at home on our highways. Despite the high 180mm of ground clearance, stability at speed on fast roads like the expressway is first rate. And what also proves to be quite relaxing is the tall sixth gear that allows me to cruise effortlessly. Even nicer is just how agile it feels once we get to the narrower ‘ghat’ roads. The steering isn’t really Swift-like and feelsome, but body control in corners is nice, so I can really attack corners without it feeling too sloppy. What I particularly love is the fact that I can scythe through any and all rough patches on these state highways without a care in the world.

The day, as it turns out, proves to be a long one, with many hours spent behind the wheel. I’m not too worse for wear though, when we return late that night, and a lot of it down to just how comfortable and effortless the S-Cross is to drive. One thing’s for sure, it’s a lot ‘deeper’ and more capable than it first appears to be. A triumph of substance over style if there ever was one.