Maruti Suzuki, which completed 35 years of service in India, has made a start for a big change. The auto major has launched a sales network for marketing premium cars: Nexa. Maruti will launch a new car S Cross to kickstart the sales network, which will become fully operational at the end of this month.
What is Nexa?
R.S. Kalsi, the Executive Director Sales and Marketing of Maruti Suzuki, explains the rationale behind the auto major's foray into the premium segment. According to Kalsi the situation has changed a lot from the time Maruti first entered the Indian market. The standard of living has gone up. The present generation routinely stays at Five Star Hotels and dine out in star restaurants. They use designer clothes and latest gadgets. They have individual bankers in banks to serve them. Nexa is for people who enjoy such luxuries in life.
The Nexa showroom is simple and elegant with black and white colours. The only objects in the showroom other than black and white are the cars it sells. A buyer can experience personalised individual attention from sales executive right from the time of sales to different stages of service. Maruti has hired an entire new sales staff for its Nexa showroom with premium dress code. Most of them has got hospitality backgrounds not automobile. The showroom will be branded as Maruti Suzuki Nexa and will not carry the name of the dealer. Initially Maruti will open 40 Nexa showrooms throughout India and the number will be increased to 200 within one year. In the beginning, the S Cross will be sold through Nexa outlets and more models will be added to the portfolio soon.
What is S Cross?
It is the first premium crossover from the Maruti's stable to reach the Nexa showroom. Through S Cross, Maruti wants to announce to the world that it is also capable of manufacturing luxury premium cars apart from common man's cars. S Cross is the latest crossover model based on SX4 hatchback which was popular in overseas. Maruti, through this premium car, will be competing directly with Fiat Aventura, Polo Cross and I20 Active in India. However, S Cross is a step ahead of its rivals in terms of size and category. The reason for this is that SX4 hatch can hold its place alongside the likes of VW Golf and Fiat Bravo in European market. Both Polo Golf and Fiat Bravo are in the higher segment compared to Polo and Punto respectively.
The Looks: Since it looks bigger when compared with its competitors , the S Cross can be compete with mini SUVs. Hyundai Creta, Duster, Terrano and Ecosport are the likely competitors for S Cross in this segment. The huge grill and bonnet in S Cross is as good as one can seen in SUVs. The silver skid plates, body cladding, the thick character lines on both sides, day time running lights on head lamps, roof rails and 16 inch alloy wheels gives S Cross a sporty look . However, a spare tyre mount at the rear would have given S Cross a more convincing SUV look.
Interiors
The black coloured interiors of S Cross looks better than the interiors of any other Maruti vehicle. The liberal use of black and chromium has given it a premium luxury look. However, the black colour also gives an impression of slightly crammed space inside the vehicle. A 330 litre boot, comfortable leather seats, the biggest leg room space at the rear, soft touch dash board, small and sporty steering, automatic head lamp, automatic wipers, premium infotainment system, navigation, phone integration, telescopic steering are some of the premium features in this vehicle.
Driving comfort: S Cross will have distinction of using the Fiat 1.6 multi-jet diesel engine for the first time in India. There is 1.3 litre engine variant as well. For the time being diesel version of S Cross will only be available. When compared to Hyundai Creta, the automatic gearbox is missing in S Cross. The S Cross was tested driven along the scenic village roads , surrounded by vineyard of famous wine manufacturers Sula, and on the Mumbai-Nashik express highway. S Cross impressed in test drives on both these routes. Both ride and handling are good. The cornering abilities are worth mentioning.
The 1.6 litre engine churned out a power of 120 BHP and a torque of 320 NM which is the most powerful in this segment. The acceleration from 0 to 100 kms within 11.3 seconds, six speed gear box, ABS and disc brakes on four wheels (which is again segment unique) enables S Cross to perform like a rally car. As a bonus the S Cross gives a mileage of 22.7 km per litre. The 1.3 model engine is not far behind as it churns out 90 BHP of power.
The drive
Premium leather seats with adequate leg room increases the comfort of journey in a S Cross. The suspension in S Cross, as usually found in any other sports car, is bit harder. However, on good road surfaces it is not a problem at all.
Pricing
Maruti hasn't yet announced the price of S Cross. But taking into consideration the other aspects, people looking for a mini SUV or premium crossovers can opt for S Cross.