Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Might be Launched Before XA Alpha

India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch several new models in the next 12 months, including two crossovers - XA Alpha or iV4 and SX4 S-Cross. While the XA Alpha will be a sub-compact SUV, to be pitted against the Ford EcoSport, the SX4 S-Cross will rival Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. Since the SX4 S-Cross is almost production ready, we expect it to be launched even before the XA Alpha sub-compact SUV. (Also Read: Maruti Swift Facelift - How Different Will it be?)

Expected to be launched by the end of this year or early 2015, the SX4 S-Cross made its Indian debut at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo in February. The SX4 S-Cross is basically the crossover version of the European SX4, where the Japanese automajor sells both the hatchback and crossover.

Measuring 4300 metres in length and 1765mm in width along with a 2600mm wheelbase, the SX4 S-Cross is almost as spacious as the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. The distance between front and rear occupants is 814mm. The company will launch the SX S-Cross in both petrol and diesel engines. The diesel engine could be either the same 1.6-litre multijet powering the European version or the PSA Peugeot Citroen sourced 1.6-litre unit that also powers the Mini Cooper. While the petrol model might feature a 1.6-litre petrol unit, capable of churning out 118bhp and 156Nm of torque. However, the company hasn't officially unveiled the engine specs of the car.

In Europe, the company offers the crossover with both a front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, though in India, we expect the car to initially come with 2WD option only. There is no official word on the pricing as well, but we expect the SX4 S-Cross to be priced in the range of Duster and Terrano only.