Maruti Suzuki Debuts First Nexa-Branded Vehicle in India

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has launched the S-Cross, a locally produced premium small SUV/crossover vehicle, for its new network of upscale Nexa-brand retailers in India. The car is a slightly modified version of the S-Cross sold in Europe.

Maruti Suzuki also will debut a commercial vehicle this year to help it achieve its goal of hiking sales 70% to 2 million units annually by 2020. The new Nexus brand aims to build sales in India's fast-growing premium midsize segment.

The 834,000-rupee ($13,100) S-Cross is being offered in India with a choice of 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter diesel engine. The car, which rides on an all-new chassis, offers such features as cruise control, auto-dim rearview mirror, reverse parking camera, reclining rear seats, rain-sensing automatic wipers, antilock brakes and steering-wheel-controlled audio and Bluetooth connectivity.

The S-Cross will compete with such rivals as the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster SUV.

Maruti Suzuki, which has combined domestic capacity to make 1.5 million vehicles at its factories in Gurgaon and Manesar. The company plans to open a third plant in Gujarat two years from now with initial output of 250,000 vehicles per year.