Maruti has unveiled the Vitara Brezza sub-4 meter SUV at the 2016 Auto Expo, and this very vehicle will be launched in India within a matter of weeks from now. A monocoque bodied vehicle, the Vitara Brezza will directly take on the EcoSport. Here’s what you can expect from the battle.

Looks

Despite being 3 years old, the Ford Ecosport is a contemporary looking crossover. While the Vitara Brezza looks fresh and will be widely accepted by the masses due to the Maruti badge on the bonnet, it’s not quite the looker that it could/should’ve been considering how butch a design the XA-Alpha (the concept version of the Vitara Brezza) was.

Yet, the Vitara Brezza’s conservative design is likely to appeal to a wide swathe of buyers. It’s newer too, which should give it the advantage of the “novelty” factor for a few more months at least. So, as far as looks go, it’s even-stevens.

Dimensions

You don’t really expect to hustle a Scorpio or a Safari with an Ecosport or a Vitara Brezza, do you? With compact SUVs, it’s more of how many speed breakers and ill-designed parking ramps you can scale without scraping your underbody rather than going rock crawling.

Both SUVs offer adequate ground clearance, with the Ecosport leading the show with 200 mm, while the Vitara Brezza is almost there with 189 mm. In terms of compactness, the Ecosport is longer (3,999 mm vs 3,995 mm), taller (1,708 mm vs 1,640 mm) and narrower (1,765 mm vs 1,790 mm), and with a slightly longer wheelbase (2,520 mm vs 2,500 mm).

In terms of street presence, the Ecosport will edge out the Vitara Brezza but the latter will be easier to squeeze in tight parking spaces, especially in length terms as you don’t need to bother with the spare wheel jutting out. The downside to having the wheel inside the vehicle is a marginally smaller boot (328 liters) in the Vitara, compared to the 346 liter boot on the Ecosport.

Engines

Maruti’s being very bold here. The Vitara Brezza is diesel only, with the 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine (89 Bhp-200 Nm) powering it. Head to head, the Ford Ecosport Diesel is more powerful, with the 1.5 liter TDCI unit putting out 98.6 Bhp and 205 Nm. Both compact SUVs use 5 speed manual gearboxes to drive the front wheels.

If you want a petrol version, it’s no contest. The Ecosport is clearly the winner here, with not one but two petrol engines on offer. One motor displaces 1.5 liters and puts out 108 Bhp-140 Nm, while the turbo petrol EcoBoost engine displaces one liter and makes 125 Bhp-170 Nm.
It must be noted that most compact SUVs sold in India are diesel powered. So, Maruti may be keeping this in mind while taking a petrol-only approach on the Vitara Brezza.

Features

Maruti has packed the Vitara Brezza with a lot of stuff. A driver airbag is standard, and ABS+EBD and a passenger airbag can be added as an option on the base and mid trims. In contrast, the Ecosport’s base (Ambiente) diesel variant is quite stripped down. No ABS nor Airbags on this one.

Badge value

If you want the best resale value for your car, you simply buy a Maruti Suzuki. It’s an open and shut case here.

Sales and After sales

Here again, Maruti simply obliterates Ford. The number of dealerships that Maruti has across India is unparalleled, and the Vitara Brezza will not be sold through the NEXA chain. Maruti also has the country’s best after sales service, which makes or breaks the ownership experience of an automobile. While Ford’s after sales service and maintenance costs are now very competitive, it’ll still be a while before the Blue Oval manages to outdo Maruti on the sales and after sales fronts.

Pricing

98 % is the localization level of the Vitara Brezza. Lots of parts in the car are common with the likes of the Swift, Dzire and Ertiga. Also, prices of the S-Cross (a crossover much larger than the Brezza), now start at  7.79 lakh rupees. In other words, Maruti has a chance to price the Vitara Brezza very, very competitively. To pull a fast one on the Ecosport, the Vitara Brezza’s pricing may undercut the Ford offering. How about a 6.99 lakh rupee price tag, Maruti? The Ecosport’s diesel variants start at 8.19 lakh rupees, and those of the TUV300 at 7.11 rupees.

Maruti Ciaz SHVS Diesel Hybrid will completely replace the current Diesel variants

In a development that has caught us completely off-guard, it has emerged that Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) is close to launching a rather promising variant of its Ciaz upper-C segment sedan. Christened as the Maruti Ciaz SHVS, the upcoming model boasts of a ‘mini-hybrid’ system that is sure to enhance the fuel mileage of an already frugal car. Also, the new system should help in keeping the emissions under check, which means Maruti won’t be required to worry about readying the Ciaz Diesel for BS V and BS VI emission norms. It is very likely that the Maruti Ciaz SHVS Diesel Hybrid model will be launched in the coming days and here, in this post, we’ve put together all the available details of the soon to be launched model.

Launch

The Maruti Ciaz SHVS model will be launched on September 1, 2015. The SHVS models have already reached dealerships and test drive vehicles have also been spotted.

Price

The upcoming model, which is likely to completely replace the current diesel variants, could command a premium ranging from INR 25,000-INR 40,000 over the regular Diesel models. Maruti will be able to keep the cost of the mild hybrid tech in check thanks to the subsidy provided by the Government under the FAME Scheme. Reports also suggest that dealerships have also started accepting bookings for a taken amount of INR 11,000.

Fuel Mileage

Currently, the Maruti Ciaz Diesel boasts of an ARAI-certified fuel mileage of around 26 km/l. However, this figure is sure to get a considerable boost due to the new ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle’ system and sources have revealed the Ciaz SHVS will return a very impressive 28 kmpl! This number itself should be enough to pull a considerable number of buyers to Maruti showrooms.

Spy Pics

Specs

The upcoming model will continue to be powered by a 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced turbocharged Diesel engine that benefits from a Variable Geometry Turbocharger and puts out a peak power of 91 bhp. For the Maruti Ciaz SVHS Diesel hybrid, this motor will be aided by a (Smart Hybrid Vehicle system that combine brake energy regeneration through an Integrated Starter Generator, which in turn changes the kinetic energy into electricity. This electricity is then stored in the battery. The system also comprises of a start-stop system, which boosts the overall fuel economy.An indicator will show the engagement of the SHVS.
Apart from the Ciaz diesel, this mild hybrid tech is also expected to find its way into the upcoming Maruti Ertiga facelift and all future models fitted with the 1.3 litre Multijet.
Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more on the upcoming Maruti Ciaz SVHS Diesel Hybrid.

The year 2015 saw the launch of two new touring bikes in India, the Suzuki Gixxer SF and the Bajaj Pulsar AS150, to take on the already established Yamaha Fazer. The Fazer itself was updated less than a year ago wherein, it got styling updates and Yamaha bestowed it with fuel injection technology as well. When looking for a bike in the 80,000-90,000 price bracket, the Suzuki Gixxer SF, Yamaha Fazer FI Ver 2.0 and the Bajaj Pulsar AS150 are likely to make it to the list of choices of a prospective buyer. We will compare these three bikes on various parameters to ease your decision-making process in our Suzuki Gixxer SF vs Bajaj Pulsar AS150 vs Yamaha Fazer FI Version 2.0 comparison.

Design

All three bikes have been derived from naked bikes, the Gixxer SF from the Gixxer, the Pulsar AS150 from the Pulsar NS series and the Fazer from the FZ. Out of these, only the Gixxer SF gets a full front fairing and looks the sportiest of the lot. However, the riding position is pretty upright which means it is well suited for daily city commute. The bike looks very striking especially in the MotoGP inspired blue and white livery and also thanks to a slight hint of the Hayabusa around the headlamp area. The Bajaj Pulsar AS200 looks more of a touring bike than the Gixxer with its elaborate front fairing and large wind deflector. It gets a projector headlamp setup integrated very well into the nicely sculpted front end. The front of the Fazer Version 2.0 gets only very subtle changes as compared to earlier version making it a very familiar face on our roads. Although it is a very good looking bike, it does not feel as fresh as the other two. Looks are subjective and it is entirely up to the buyer to decided which of these three bikes is the best in terms of appearance.

Features

The Gixxer SF and the Yamaha Fazer FI V 2.0 get a fully digital read out whereas, the Pulsar AS150 gets an analogue tachometer in combination with a digital speedo. Otherwise, all three bikes are similarly equipped and there are not significant features that set these three apart.

Specs

	Suzuki Gixxer SF	Bajaj Pulsar AS150	Yamaha Fazer FI Version 2.0
Engine Displacement	155cc	149.5cc	149cc
Power	14.59 bhp @ 8000 rpm	17 bhp @ 9500 rpm	12.92 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque	14 Nm @ 6000 rpm	13 Nm @ 7000 rpm	12.8 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed	6-speed	5-speed
Mileage	47 kmpl	45 kmpl	53 kmpl
Top Speed	127 kmph	110 kmph	106 kmph

The Pulsar AS150 is the most powerful bike in this comparison by a clear margin. The Gixxer SF hold a slight edge over the rest in terms of torque. When it comes to fuel efficiency the Yamaha Fazer FI Version 2.0 is the clear winner. In daily city commute, it is highly unlikely that these differences will be noticeable.

Price

Ex-showroom, Delhi	Suzuki Gixxer SF	Bajaj Pulsar AS150	Yamaha Fazer FI V 2.0
Standard	INR 83,439	INR 79,000	INR 86,805

The Gixxer SF with the Special Edition MotoGP Livery costs INR 94,238. The Pulsar AS150 and the Yamaha Fazer FI are not available in any other variants.

Verdict

The Yamaha Fazer FI Ver 2.0 excels in almost all departments and does not give much of a reason to complain. However, when compared with the earlier model prices have seen a huge jump thanks to the introduction of fuel injection making it the most expensive bike of the lot. The Suzuki Gixxer SF is a very accomplished bike and looks striking, especially in the MotoGP livery. The only drawback is Suzuki’s service network which is not as extensive as its rivals. Our pick here would be the Bajaj Pulsar not only because it is the cheapest, but also because the cost of ownership is very low as the spare parts are comparatively very cheap and the dealership network is very extensive.

Maruti Suzuki India has also launched exclusive Nexa dealerships for the retail of the S-Cross, which is also where the S-Cross will soon share the floor space with the YRA hatchback.So what exactly is the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross all about? Find out Maruti S-Cross India launch details, price, brochure images and every other important detail on the upcoming model in our post here-

Price

1.6 DDiS 320

• Delta: INR 11.99 lacs
• Zeta: INR 12.99 lacs
• Alpha: INR 13.74 lacs

1.3 L DDiS 200

• Sigma: INR 8.34 lacs
• Delta: INR 9.15 lacs
• Zeta: INR 9.99 lacs
• Alpha: INR 10.75 lacs

Booking

It has recently emerged that the Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has already garnered over 6,000 bookings and over 30,000 inquiries even before the prices were announced. He also added that, post launch, the company is aggressive in attracting more bookings.

Variants

The new Maruti S-Cross has gone on sale in five variants. Maruti has adopted a new nomenclature for the S-Cross, which means trim names like LXi, VXi, etc. don’t have anything to do with this premium crossover. The variant names for the S-Cross are –

• Sigma
• Sigma (O)
• Delta
• Zeta
• Alpha

Features

Following is the variant-wise features list of the Maruti S-Cross :-

• Maruti S-Cross 1.3L Sigma/Sigma(O): Front Dual airbags, Disc brakes on all four wheels with ABS for the Optional variant, Four speakers
• Maruti S-Cross 1.3L Delta and 1.6L Delta: Maruti Anti-theft system, reverse parking sensors with display, audio system with steering-mounted controls, wheel caps and door chrome handles.
• Maruti S-Cross 1.3L Zeta and 1.6L Zeta: Electric-folding ORVMs, Auto aircon, Smartplay infotainment system, Push-button start/stop
• Maruti S-Cross 1.3L Alpha and 1.6L Alpha: Cruise Control, Rain-sensing wipers, Auto projector headlamps, 16-inch alloys, leather upholstery

Fuel Mileage

The DDiS 200 engine has an ARAI-certified fuel mileage of 23.65 kmpl. On the other hand, the DDiS 320 has an ARAI-certified fuel mileage of 22.70 kmpl.

Color Options

The Maruti S-Cross has gone on sale in five color options –

• Urban Blue
• Caffeine Brown
• Granite Grey
• Premium Silver
• Pearl Arctic White

Brochure Images

The upcoming Maruti S-Cross takes on the Hyundai i20 Active

The soon-to-be-launched Maruti S-Cross is a proper crossover which is targeted at the Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta and other such vehicles on sale in India. However, appearance-wise it looks more of a hatchback crossover than an SUV. Which means the general perception could be to view it in the same category as the Hyundai i20 Active. Before we go any further we would like to make it very clear that the two are very different vehicles; the Hyundai i20 Active is a based on a standard large hatchback with some increase in ground clearance and plastic cladding, while the Maruti S-Cross has been engineered to be a crossover from the ground up. How do these two crossovers stack up against each other? Find out here in our Maruti S-Cross vs Hyundai i20 Active comparison story.

Design

As we mentioned earlier, the Maruti S-Cross looks more of a large hatchback that has been given the usual crossover treatment. There is black plastic cladding all around and faux skid plates at the front, back and sides. Up front, you get a grille with two chrome slats which house the Suzuki insignia. On either side of the grille are two large headlamps with LED projector units and LED daytime running lights. There is one single character line which starts from around the fog lamp area and flows along the side taking some of the bulkiness out of the S-Cross’ profile. At the back, you get barely any usage of chrome, something which we really like about the S-Cross and there are split tail lamps which look a lot like the EcoSport‘s. A likeable design overall, just that the headlamps are a tad too big and the alloy wheel spokes are too thick and look like wheel covers from a distance. For the i20 Active, Hyundai has done quite a bit to set apart from the Elite i20. You get a new grille, bumpers, roof rails and cladding, faux skid plates all around. The headlamps get projector units with LED daytime running lights and the fog lamps and rear reflector units are now circular. The i20 continues to a be a very smart looking car even in the crossover guise and, though smaller, looks better than the Maruti S-Cross.
On the inside, both cars get classy all-black interiors which look much more premium than the black and beige combo. The i20 Active gets blue or orange highlights depending on the exterior colour you opt for. The Maruti S-Cross gets a neatly laid out dash with an infotainment system mounted on the centre console which gets a hexagonal silver surround. The steering wheel has been borrowed from the Swift and the dials get nice blue highlights. The interiors of the i20 Active are identical in every way to the Elite i20, except for the colour scheme. No touchscreen on offer. Interior space is bound to be more in the S-Cross owing to its bigger size.

Features

Both cars are equipped with Projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, integrated audio system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth support, push button start, dual front airbags, etc. However, the i20 Active does not come with a touchscreen audio system and does not get a dual zone climate control like the Maruti S-Cross. The higher spec trims of the S-Cross also get automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, etc. The Maruti S-Cross and Hyundai i20 Active are both very well equipped crossovers.

Specs

	Maruti S-Cross		Hyundai i20 Active
Type	1.6 L diesel	1.3 L diesel	1.4 L diesel	1.2 L petrol
Power	118 bhp	89 bhp	89 bhp	82 bhp
Torque	320 Nm	200 Nm	220 Nm	115 Nm
Transmission	6-speed manual	5-speed manual	6-speed manual	5-speed manual
Mileage	22.7 kpl	23.65 kpl	21.9 kpl	17.19 kpl

Not having to comply to the small car regulations means the Maruti S-Cross gets a bigger engine which is more powerful than that of the i20 Active’s. The Maruti S-Cross comes with two diesel engine options while the Hyundai i20 Active gets one diesel and one petrol option. None of the cars get an automatic transmission option.

Price

There is no doubt that the Maruti S-Cross is priced significantly higher than the Hyundai i20 Active. Pricing of the S-Cross starts, roughly, where the i20 Active’s ends. Which means that the lower 1.3 L diesel variants of the S-Cross is similar in price to the top-spec i20 Active diesel. Both engines are similar in terms of power which gives the S-Cross a significant advantage as it has more space and slightly better equipment levels. The 1.6 L diesel of the Maruti S-Cross will sit above the i20 Active in terms of pricing.

	Hyundai i20 Active		Maruti S-Cross
	1.2 L Petrol	1.4 L Diesel		1.3 L Diesel	1.6 L Diesel
Base	INR 6.39 lacs	INR 7.63 lacs	Sigma	INR 8.34 lacs	–
S	INR 7.10 lacs	INR 8.34 lacs	Delta	INR 9.15 lacs	INR 11.99 lacs
SX	–	INR 8.89 lacs	Zeta	INR 9.99 lacs	INR 12.99 lacs
			Alpha	INR 10.75 lacs	INR 13.74 lacs

Maruti S-Cross vs Hyundai i20 Active – Verdict

The two cars featured in the Maruti S-Cross vs Hyundai i20 Active comparison belong to a different class; one has been engineered from the ground up as a crossover to take on the likes of the Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta while the other is a hatchback that has been given the crossover treatment. But since they both look like large hatchback based crossovers, comparisons are inevitable. The pricing of the S-Cross is definitely on the higher side and if you’re looking for a city friendly crossover then  the Hyundai i20 Active makes more sense thanks to much better looks and affordability. But then, it does is unable to match the space and premiumness offered by the S-Cross which is simply a notch above.

 Hyundai Creta – http://carroids.blogspot.in/2015/08/hyundai-creta-test-drive-review.html

Suzuki S-Cross –http://carroids.blogspot.in/2015/07/maruti-s-cross-review.html