Maruti S-Cross Alpha or Zeta variant to replace my Ford Figo

I also considered the Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos and/or Kia Sonet as possible alternates.

BHPian swapzero recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am in the market for an automatic SUV/ CSUV with a budget of ~ Rs 16 lakh to replace my 2010 Figo Petrol.

Usage: Primarily in the city. But plan/aspire to go for long drives up to 1000 km once every month or two.

What's important?

• Hassle-free, easy maintenance car that I can hold for 8-10 years.
• Also a pleasure (if not downright fun) to drive. I am not an aggressive driver and would rarely cross 110/120 km/h so not looking for outright performance.
• Will be driven by my wife and my mother as well, so it should be easy to drive.
• Good safety
• Good road manners in City and highway.
• Decent ground clearance - Figo keeps scrapping bumpers when carrying 4/5 passengers.

Few doubts on S Cross:

• Would the 4-speed Torque Converter be sufficient for highway driving?
• Also, is it worth paying a premium of 1.6 L for Alpha for the LED headlights? Reading the thread on LED headlights I am confused on whether they are actually better than halogen or not.
• Does the lack of rear ac vents makes a difference. Any inputs from existing owners would be valuable.

Cars considered:

1. Volkswagen Taigun – Really liked the looks. But mom did not find the car footwell wide enough. Nor did she find the armrest position useful. Also not sure about the long term ASS. Hence it’s out of the race.
2. Maruti Suzuki S-Cross – Liked the front and rear seat comfort. Did a TD on city roads and found it easy to drive.
3. Kia Seltos/ Sonet - Haven’t done a TD yet. But the looks look too flashy for my taste with the excess chrome treatment. Plus the low NCAP ratings.
4. Honda City and Jazz - City has always been a dream car. But ruling out due to lack of Ground Clearance.

Here's what BHPian Eddy had to say on the matter:

I think it is universally accepted that the Zeta is the most VFM variant in S-Cross. I was in a similar dilemma 6 years back and chose Zeta. Not a single regret.

Here's what BHPian Everlearner had to say on the matter:

The additional features in SCross alpha are LED headlights, LED taillights, DRL, rain-sensing wipers and seat upholstery. You need to take a call whether you want these features and if you are OK to pay a premium of more than 1.5 lakhs.

Not just for SCross. In general, the thumb rule for Maruti cars is that second from top variant provides the best value for money.

The top-end usually have some bling features and they charge quite a premium for it.

Here's what BHPian supremeBaleno had to say on the matter:

Recently I was looking at the SCross AT (or ATs of Brezza/Baleno/Celerio - yeah, I know an odd lot across 3 segments) for my wife and the SCross was what we both loved. And the same question zapped me - Zeta or Alpha? The price difference is substantial and I wasn't sure which to choose.

When I bought the Baleno in 2005, I chose the Lxi (Vxi was only 60K more and within budget), but later wished I had got the top trim because I anyway got alloys, wider tyres & a music system etc added. Plus the driver seat height adjustment, rear spoiler etc would have been good to have.

So decided that henceforth for any new car, I will get only the top trim.

I listed out the differences between the top 3 variants for my reference - hope it helps you in making a decision.

The features at the bottom of the pic are common to all trims.

Here's what BHPian DieselAnna had to say on the matter:

Hi,

I own an S-Cross 1.3 Alpha 2019 model. Sharing my observations with you here:

• The TC Gearbox is sufficient to haul normal loads. But during heavy loads, you should expect some underwhelming performance.
• The Alpha Headlights are white LED projectors. Please note, they will be just sufficient in city driving and you will have to upgrade for highway driving. So, it is a risk of voiding the warranty. I upgraded the fog lights instead. Also, the stock Alpha lights are useless in rains. In Zeta, you could do a simple bulb upgrade.
• You won't miss the rear AC vents since MSIL ACs are very good in any condition. With simple additions like window curtains and 3m film, I am very much satisfied with the AC. I keep it at 24-25 always in Mumbai.
• You are right about the leather seats. It won't hold on for 8-10 years. Mine is showing some ageing as the sheen is gone.
• The car is very easy to drive with perfect ergonomics and good seating position. The ladies of the house will find no problems there.
• City and Highway road manners are spot-on. There is never a nervous moment. You'll miss a bigger engine here as the car is capable of more power.
• GC is not an issue anywhere on normal city/rural roads. Be aware of the approach angle at some tight slopes of building entrances. I have scraped my front tow hook (below the bumper) twice.
• It's a pretty much-sorted car with good space and a roomy cabin, which is difficult to find in that segment.

Hope the above helps you in making the choice.

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