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1) Facelift addresses biggest concern of outgoing model i.e. "please all, offend no one" aesthetics. Front end is transformed, looks better. Now, the front end doesn't look skewed towards large hatchback!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>2) Last iteration had complaints for HID projector headlights. This is now addressed with LED Bi-beam projector headlights. LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) design befits crossover nature of the car.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>3) Base trim misses out on wheel covers, and those steel wheels do give it a rugged appearance. 'Machined' alloys on top two trims are much improved in appearance over the earlier iteration wherein alloys weren’t as impressive despite addition of gun metal finish offered at a later stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>4) Biggest change apart from aesthetics is deletion of 1.6 litre turbodiesel engine which had DDiS 320 moniker. The only available engine is 1.3 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit rated at 90 HP and 200 Nm torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.</p><p>5) SHVS hybrid system which is available in Ertiga, Ciaz now makes its way under S-Cross’s hood. Though it has benefits when it comes to fuel efficiency and is labelled as hybrid, it isn't a full-blown hybrid system. A good move though. Hope that improved iterations are being developed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>6) Interior quality also witnesses improvement but power window switches are outdated. Overall seat comfort, ride quality remains the strong points of S-Cross. Once speeds pick up, S-Cross offers flat ride over broken roads backed by confidence inspiring handling and braking.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>7) Rear disc brakes are standard across the range (brownie points to Maruti here) so are projector lights. LED projectors on top trim are noteworthy. Safety feature list includes standard ISOFIX, dual airbags, ABS+EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), available auto-leveling headlamp, rain sensing wipers, anti-pinch windows among others. Height adjustable front seat-belts are a part of standard equipment.</p><p>8) Beefier 215/60 R16 tyres suit the car well. Tyre size is standard across the range with top two trims getting alloys and other trims getting steel wheels.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>9) Touchscreen infotainment system has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Navigation, Voice command, Bluetooth, remote via smartphone app. Feature list runs long as one climbs up the variants offered. We wish rear defogger, rear wiper and parking camera were available as an option though for lesser trims.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>10) Non-availability of auto gearbox and petrol engine can hamper the sales numbers as this is a segment where auto tranny has an ever-increasing acceptance. Few buyers still prefer to have petrol engine under the hood, especially those who doesn’t have a high annual running.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br></p><p>OUR TAKE: Though Improved on aesthetics ground, needs a punchy engine and automatic transmission option. Those who prefer SUV looks in Maruti Suzuki stable would prefer Vitara Brezza with similar engine but a more traditional SUV stance. A solid family car that'll appeal to head, not heart.</p><p></p>