Maruti Suzuki's->ke3954 billing as the largest car maker in India comes with some responsibilities, one of which is releasing vehicles that will help the company keep its place in the said pecking order.

Well, the company took a big step in that direction with the unveiling of the new SX4 S-Cross crossover. Looking a lot like the Suzuki Grand Vitara->ke945, the SX4 S-Cross is being tipped as a worthy entrant into the burgeoning crossover market in India.

As far as credentials go, the Maruti-Suzuki carries a whole lot of it and its betting on the SX4 S-Cross to be able to carve a niche for itself once it goes on sale in the country in the not-so-distant future. The crossover is being tipped to carry a 1.6-liter gas engine that's capable of producing 120 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. It's not exactly all-conquering numbers but given the choices you have in the Indian market, that's more than enough to be right up there in class.

Likewise, the SX4 S-Cross is also expected to be have four-wheel drive capabilities with the engine mated to a six-speed transmission. And as far as safety goes, customers should feel good about the SX4 S-Cross after it received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. In case you don't know, those are the highest of marks a vehicle can get.

Click past the jump to read more about Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

2014 Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Without the benefit of full details of the SX4 S-Cross, we're going to rely on the eye test to see how the crossover stacks up as far as its overall design is concerned.

Judging by the front fascia of the crossover, Suzuki accomplished a goal of bringing a distinctive and well proportioned face to the SX4. The grille is big and the plastic body cladding immediately denotes the true SUV spirit of the crossover. The headlamps are pretty big and prominent, ensuring maximum brightness and efficiency when used and the hood drops down at a sharp enough angle to add sportiness to the crossover's look.

At the back, there's not a whole lot to be excited about other than the equally enormous taillights and the highly-placed rear bumper that gives the SX4's rear end a bouncy look to it.

Competitors

2012 Ford Ecosport

The 2012 Ford Ecosport has been a staple in India for the past few years and looking a the car, you'll understand why its so attention-grabbing. The Ecosport's front end is defined by a wide hood with modern, oblique headlamps and a high-mounted trapezoidal grille which gives the vehicle an element of pride and that intimidating signature Ford look.

Under its hood, the Ecosport is sporting a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers a total of 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque available from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. This engine is offered with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to further improve performance and economy and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Conclusion

The Maruti-Suzuki SX4 S-Cross shouldn't have any problems selling well in India. It's got the advantage of being produced by the country's biggest brand and with a load of features and looks that are sure to impress, the SX4 S-Cross will be quite a hot item when its dealerships in India.