[Dr.Naren]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

Wow. Which beach is this? I've never seen this during my stay.

The bioluminescence pic was clicked at Padukere beach. It's very close to Malpe .

[Dr.Naren]

Stay Tuned

[Dr.Naren]

Maruti: S-Cross is a premium cross-over.

Dr. Naren: Well, let's make it a fast hatchback!!

[Dr.Naren]

ICE Upgrade!!

Yes, you read it right. I had never thought that I would ever spend money for better music. It all started with a simple plan of all four doors damping and speaker upgrade. My budget was around 40k as I wanted to invest in good quality speakers.

I contacted Mr. Muneem (Galaxy premium car accessories , Kochi) and asked what speakers could fit in my budget along with damping.

Suggestions from Muneem:

1. Rainbow dreamline components and coaxials
2. Gladen Alpha 165 components and coaxials
3. Blam Relax 165 components and coaxials

The plan kept changing with addition of more / better parts. Friends who have done ICE upgrade called it very normal.

Initial plan: Rainbow Dreamline components and coaxials with damping of four doors

What I finally got:

1. Gladen RS 165 G2 components
2. Gladen Alpha 165 coaxials
3. Gladen M10 Subwoofer
4. Pioneer GM-A6704 4 channel AMP
5. Vibromax damping sheets

Yes, I ended up getting speakers from a segment higher along with AMP and Subwoofer compared to my initial plan. The budget almost doubled in no time, haha.

I have very limited knowledge when it comes to audio system. I didn't even know the purpose of amplifier . So , I won't be writing anything in detail / technical. I did take suggestions from fellow S-Cross owners, BHPians and friends. Thank you all!!

Let me share pics of all the parts installed in my car!!

Gladen RS 165 G2 Components









Gladen Alpha 165 Coaxials





Gladen M10 Subwoofer









Pioneer GM-A6704 AMP


Vibromax Damping sheets







The doors were properly damped, say around 3 sheets went in for each door. I missed taking pics of the inner layer.

Damping did make a good difference. There is a good thud , lower outside noise and most of the freebie Maruti rattles are gone for good.

Few Points:

1. Tweeters are placed in stock location.
2. Cross overs are installed in dashboard below HU.
3. I went with a basic 4 channel pioneer amp , the rear speakers are powered by HU.
4. 10 Inch sub was used in a sealed box. Didn't want a under seat sub as it won't serve the real purpose.
5. I hardly drive with rear passengers. Muneem had suggested not to upgrade the rear speakers, but I got it done.

I don't have the break-up of individual parts. I had bought Eibach lowering springs too from Galaxy. I paid around 75k for the ICE upgrade.

I am very satisfied and happy with the upgrade. Muneem has adviced me to change HU in future as it will make a huge difference. I have almost decided on it. He suggested me to wait for a month or two because Pioneer would be launching new products.

Galaxy Kochi did a very professional job. Installation was clean and I didn't face any issues. They have a workshop with ample space. It was a good experience and I would recommend them.

[muneemmk]

Thank you for the detailed review Naren, you were the last person I expected to do an audio upgrade, now you won't be the Fastest Cross in the country, but sure as hell will sounds damn good when you play a track.

An amp upgrade and headunit is what I would suggest generally but even a HU Upgrade would definitely make some serious difference I'm sure.

And that's the third scross in the country that's lowered as far as I know.Surprisingly all Bhpians too

[gunbir]

Originally Posted by Dr.Naren

ICE Upgrade!!
Galaxy Kochi did a very professional job. Installation was clean and I didn't face any issues. They have a workshop with ample space. It was a good experience and I would recommend them.

Nice setup, clean install. Congratulations, Enjoy the miles and music

[Dr.Naren]

Eibach lowering springs installed!!

Many would be wondering if it is practical to lower a cross-over? Well, it depends..if you have bought this car mainly for GC and drive carefree on bad roads, do not consider lowering your car.

For those who want better looks and handling with no compromise on ride comfort, Eibach springs are worth every penny .

Eibach doesn't list the springs officially for S-Cross. But, they do for global Vitara which has same suspension setup as S-Cross. Suzuki part numbers for the suspension are same for both the cars.

The springs which I have got is linear for front and rear is progressive. This matters a lot for ride comfort. I got the springs from Galaxy Kochi for 24k.

Unboxed



Front: Eibach vs OE



Rear: Eibach vs OE



Few pics after lowering, love the stance!!







Review after driving 500+ Kms

1. Front drop is 40 mm and it's 30 mm at rear. I have measured it. Front looks pretty low post Eibach, need to be careful as the oil sump is known to take hits in S-Cross 1.6.

2. It feels harsh if I take speed breakers at same speed as with OE springs. It doesn't feel nice if you miss a pothole . Take them little slower and it's comfy.

3. Overall ride quality is very impressive , especially at high speeds. Ride is just flat even on irregular patches of road. It's better than OE. Hard to believe right ? Few other S-Cross owners also felt the same after testing Eibach springs.

4. Handling has improved a lot, body roll is negligible now.

5. Steering is more direct and quick direction changes feels lot more easier.

6. I found minor improvement in braking, no nose dive at all.

Eibach springs are working well with KYB dampers. Happy with the upgrade. Just need to be little careful about the oil sump. I drive alone most of the times and GC is not really an issue. It's a big fast hatchback from Maruti now, not a cross anymore hehe.

I drove around 1000 kms in last 3 days. Manipal to Kochi and back. The return journey with audio upgrade and Eibach springs was a completely different experience, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Quick meet with fellow S-Cross owners at Kochi



Total distance and FE at end of trip!



I need to change the tyres soon. I will go with Continental UC6, need to decide the size, 205 vs 215.

[muneemmk]

You will be happier with 215/60R16s but I guess you will have to wait a while since tyres ain't no longer available much in that spec (good quality decently priced ones) , but I would recommend that only with a wheel change to OEM 6.5J facelift wheels. Your current Optional wheels are also 6J iirc.

[Dr.Naren]

Originally Posted by muneemmk

You will be happier with 215/60R16s but I guess you will have to wait a while since tyres ain't no longer available much in that spec (good quality decently priced ones)

Yes, Continental UC6 looks like the best option which is available currently. Many don't have them in stock too. If I have to wait for better tyres, I need to stop driving the car which is not possible after the recent mods .

I would recommend that only with a wheel change to OEM 6.5J facelift wheels. Your current Optional wheels are also 6J iirc.

Yes, they are 6J.

[Dr.Naren]

I am loving the audio upgrade. The sound clarity and bass got better on its own after listening to music since last few days. I might drop the plan of changing HU now .

Eibach springs are doing great too. No issues with normal speed breakers, but I did scrap once on a not so properly designed speed breaker. As I mentioned before, it's not a cross anymore. A big fast hatchback with 140 mm GC.

I also noticed that the drop increased a bit, may be the springs settled in.

[Dr.Naren]

Time to say goodbye to Perfinzas!!



I am very satisfied with MRFs , especially the grip. Life was slightly lower, they were done in 18k kms. I won't blame the tyres here as I upgraded to stage 3 200 hp setup and these tires took lot of abuse like launches, high speed braking etc.

I had decided to go for Continental UC6. I couldn't find them anywhere in Udupi / Mangalore. I had no other option, but to look at alternate brands. I had not considered P4ST as nobody had stock, anyways decided to give it a try. Wheel care, Michelin dealer in Mangalore had 7 tyres in stock (March 2020 make). No discounts whatsoever and I had to pay MRP which is Rs. 8300. It's fair I thought as few dealers were charging a premium due to import ban.



P3ST and P4ST are the favourite tyres in our S-Cross WhatsApp group. Many have got amazing mileage with them justifying the premium.

I asked two of my friends if I should go for P4ST at this price...

Friend 1: Don't waste time..get them immediately.

Friend 2: You have found Gold..go for it

Didn't waste any time and I left to Mangalore immediately.

At Wheel care, Mangalore





Few pics of tyres





Initial feedback

1. Tyres are super silent.

2. Ride comfort is way too good. Huge improvement if compared to Perfinzas.

3. Grip, Steering feel and Braking: I am not really happy. They are not even close to Perfinzas. I shall wait for run in period to get over. Hope it changes for the good .

Michelin Warranty

Michelin has extended the warranty period to 5 years now for manufacturing defects. They also have a scheme which works out like insurance / unconditional warranty for 5 years. It will cost around Rs. 500 for a tyre. I didn't go for it. Michelin sent me details of warranty via SMS after the billing was done.

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by Dr.Naren

Initial feedback

1. Tyres are super silent.

2. Ride comfort is way too good. Huge improvement if compared to Perfinzas.

3. Grip, Steering feel and Braking: I am not really happy. They are not even close to Perfinzas. I shall wait for run in period to get over. Hope it changes for the good
.

Spot on!

1. Totally agreed, I have the P4ST on my ciaz and felt the same. Infact the silent tyres will make the engine sound hear more clearly than before.

2. Ride quality definitely has improved a lot vis-a-vis the previous Continental MC5 I had.

3. Same experience. Sadly it won't improve after run in period. What you gain in ride quality, you lose in handling.

The tyres are durable too. Mine is 25000 km old and they show no sign of wear

[muneemmk]

The Continentals and Perfinzas handle better than the Michelines ?

That would be good , but I am not going to change my P4St for a while ,the ride and low noise is just too good,besides unlike this mad doctor mine is a humble stage 1/ 1.3 no stupid speeds or hard brakes or Launches good enough for sensible use with lots of life.

[PrasannaDhana]

Originally Posted by muneemmk

The Continentals and Perfinzas handle better than the Michelines ?

Totally!

I could feel the difference instantly. The continental lived up to its name MC5 (Max Contact).

[Dr.Naren]

Originally Posted by muneemmk

The Continentals and Perfinzas handle better than the Michelines ?

Yes, I have used both MC5 and Perfinza . I am expecting Michelin to improve after run in period, but I have no hopes that it would be better than the other two tyres.

That would be good , but I am not going to change my P4St for a while ,the ride and low noise is just too good,besides unlike this mad doctor mine is a humble stage 1/ 1.3 no stupid speeds or hard brakes or Launches good enough for sensible use with lots of life.

Noise levels and ride comfort is much much better with Michelins. Many users have got very good life too, should be one of the best all rounder tyre.

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana

Totally!

I could feel the difference instantly. The continental lived up to its name MC5 (Max Contact).

And I have found Perfinzas better than MC5

Grip, Steering and Brakes: Perfinza > MC5 > Michelin

Ride comfort and Noise levels: Michelin > > MC5 >/= Perfinza