Maruti Suzuki’s new mid-size SUV to replace the S Cross in India

Maruti Suzuki is set to reveal its version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder midsize SUV on July 20, 2022. Sources tell us that this new SUV, likely to be called the Maruti Vitara, will replace the ageing S Cross that went on sale back in 2015. This midsize SUV based on the Hyryder will be Maruti's new flagship in India. Like the S Cross, it will be sold at Nexa outlets.

• New midsize SUV to sit at the top of Maruti's India line-up
• Global debut this month; price announcement by August
• Will get strong as well as mild-hybrid powertrain options

Maruti pulls the plug on S Cross 

The S Cross was launched in August 2015 as Maruti Suzuki’s most premium offering in India. Touted as a rival to the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster at that time, the S-Cross was the brand's first product to be retailed via its Nexa premium dealership. 

At launch, the S Cross was sold with not one but two diesel engine options. Starting the proceedings was the tried and tested 1.3-litre Multijet engine good for 89hp, and a more powerful 1.6-litre diesel. While both units were sourced from Fiat, the 1.6-litre diesel was unique to the S Cross as opposed to the 1.3-litre engine that was seen on multiple Maruti, Fiat, Tata, Premier and even Chevrolet models in India. 

Maruti updated the S Cross in 2017 with a more upright BMW-like nose. The larger 1.6-litre diesel engine was put to rest and the 1.3-litre diesel was the only powerplant available, which now boasted Maruti's mild-hybrid tech. The S Cross diesel never came with an automatic gearbox and that made it less appealing to customers when compared to the likes of the Creta diesel automatic.  

In April 2020, the S Cross, like the Brezza, switched to a petrol powerplant as more stringent BS6 norms took effect. A K-series 1.5-litre petrol was introduced in the S Cross equipped with mild-hybrid tech. Maruti added the option of an automatic gearbox to the S Cross, five years after it was launched in the Indian market. 

Since its launch, Maruti Suzuki has sold around 1.6 lakh units of the S Cross. It never sold in as good numbers as other Maruti products. Despite being hugely spacious and comfortable, its hatchback-like profile averted the buyers, something that the new mid-size SUV will correct.

Globally, Suzuki introduced a heavily updated S Cross last year. However, that model won't come to India and will be replaced by the all-new SUV that has been jointly developed with Toyota. 

Maruti's Creta rival to go on sale by August

The all-new SUV from Maruti will be built and supplied by Toyota, who unveiled its Urban Cruiser Hyrder just last week. Both SUVs will share its platform, powertrain, some body panels and interior, but will have unique exterior styling and differences in trims. 

Maruti Suzuki will reveal its version of the midsize SUV on July 20, 2022. On arrival, it will compete in a crowded midsize SUV segment which has models like the Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks.