NEXA outlets get ready for the Baleno in Oct end 2015

S-CROSS DRIVE REPORT

Sources further noted that as of now, more than 90pc of the S-Cross sold in the country is with the 1.3 litre diesel engine. There are hardly any takers for the 1.6 litre model. The source attributed this to the high cost of the model.

Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki is grappling with several issues relating to sales and marketing at these new Nexa outlets. Sources confirmed that the mix of sales personnel who have been newly appointed at these new Nexa outlets come with different sales experiences. While some of them have come with a hospitality industry experience, others have had experience working in outlets like BMW, Hyundai, Honda Cars India etc. “The most aggressive ones are those from Hyundai outlets. They share our aggressive nature when it comes to selling products,” maintained the source.

With 100 Nexa outlets coming up soon, the company is targeting at selling at least 100 units of the S-Cross and Baleno put together in the coming months at each of these Nexa outlets. This way, each of these Nexa outlet will also achieve a break even target for their respective outlets.

MARUTI MODELS GET SAVVIER

Even as the Nexa outlets are in for some exciting times, Maruti Suzuki’s existing bread and butter models too are going in for a revamp. The multi utility vehicle Ertiga will undergo a face lift and the company will be launching a new Ertiga along with newer variants that would include an automatic as well as a hybrid. The hybrid will be on the lines of the Ciaz hybrid launched early this month. The new Ertiga is to be launched any moment.

CIAZ HYBRID MODEL

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) had recently launched a hybrid version of, their premium sedan, the Ciaz in India called the Ciaz Smart Hybrid for a starting ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs 8.32 lakh.

The Ciaz Smart Hybrid is a Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS). The system uses an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and an advance high capacity battery supplementing the power from the engine. In tandem with the hybrid system , the 1.3 litre 200 DDiS diesel engine, that produces 88bhp and 200Nm torque  now has a whopping claimed fuel economy of 28.09kmpl mated to a manual 5 speed gearbox.

Idle Engine Stop/Start, Power Assist, Gear shift indicator and regenerative braking systems are some of the systems Maruti Suzuki has utilised to make the car as efficient as they can. The Regenerative Braking system is the main principle the hybrid system work with. The energy that is usually lost while decelerating/braking is stored in the Hybrid battery system. The energy is then used to accelerate the vehicle.

Also, by the end of the calendar year, the company will be pushing its Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) in more of its small cars like the Wagon R and a few others. This too was confirmed by a source. 

SUZUKI BALENO

Coming to the Suzuki Baleno car, this vehcle comes with a “Liquid Flow” design theme, compact body, spacious interior, and efficient powertrains—all on a new-generation platform. The new-generation platform, with increased rigidity and reduced weight, enhances fuel efficiency, handling and stability, while still achieving high levels of safety and NVH performance.

Talking of powertrains, the Baleno is powered by a new 1.0 Boosterjet direct-injection turbo engine with high torque output and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki). It also has a 1.2 Dualjet engine. Sporty profile that is low and wide, avant-garde front section, wraparound windows, expressive character lines and gently contoured, continuous surfaces convey elegance and power.

Innovative features on the inside include advanced multi-information colour display, active cruise control with speed limiter, and a Smartphone Linkage Display Audio compatible with Apple CarPlay2.

Seating for five people features generous shoulder room in front, and generous legroom in the rear.

Exterior features include high intensity discharge projector headlamps, with a black and chrome design that emanates virility and sharpness, and LED position lamps, which also work as daytime running lights, with inner lenses that produce an even line of light, convey a high-tech impression.

“Guide me light” headlamps help users find their way in the dark after leaving the vehicle or when unlocking the doors by remote control. LED rear combination lamps give an advanced impression due to an inner lens that projects an even beam.

Wraparound windows with blacked-out A-pillars and black sashes add to a sporty look. A thin roof-spoiler integrated into the flowing body lines help improve aerodynamic performance.16-inch alloy wheels or 15-inch steel wheels have a mechanical design that contrasts with the flowing design of the body.

Key dimensions of the car: Length: 3,995mm; Width: 1,745mm; Height: 1,470mm (1,460mm with SHVS); Wheelbase: 2,520mm; Minimum ground clearance: 120mm (110mm with SHVS); Tread front/rear: 1,520mm with 185/55R16 tyres (1,530mm with 175/65R15 tyres)