The S-Cross has always attracted Maruti Suzuki loyalists. Not sure whether they will like the updated version. What you see here is the BS6-compliant (Bharat Stage 6) S-Cross. The crossover ditches diesel power altogether in favour of a petrol-only portfolio. That’s the same mantra Maruti Suzuki followed for the Vitara Brezza. Prices for the updated S-Cross start at Rs 8.39 lakh and go up to Rs 12.39 lakh, before taxes. With it, the carmaker completes the transition to the newer, stricter emission norms. Here’s how the price list looks like:

Now, getting rid of the punchy diesel engine might reduce the car’s overall charm. However, the introduction of the 1.5-litre petrol engine means the S-Cross comes with the option of an automatic transmission (4-speed torque converter) for the first time. The motor in question is the same that does duty in multiple Maruti Suzuki products, including the Ciaz, Ertiga and the XL6. It pumps out 103bhp/138Nm and gets the benefits of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Those who don’t want a two-pedal setup can save a noticeable amount of money and get a 5-speed manual instead.

Maruti Suzuki has also taken the opportunity to equip the S-Cross with the latest 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apart from offering compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the new unit also provides voice command system and navigation with live traffic updates (through a mobile app). The rest of the package remains unaltered. That means the S-Cross comes with features like push-button start/stop, automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM and automatic headlamps.

The S-Cross is a direct rival to the Renault Duster. It also serves as an alternative to lower variants of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta, and high-end derivatives of subcompact SUVs like the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue and the Mahindra XUV300. So, do you think the updated S-Cross is intriguing enough?