Me and My Car

Friday, October 12, 2007

Maruti SX4 Mileage!!!

After such a long time, again I got some free time to jot up my thoughts regarding feedback and update on my SX4.

First of all thank you very much for your overwhelming response regarding my review. I am really feeling encouraged. Now the big question which I am answering emails from last few months is SX4 mileage.

So friends, frankly speaking it’s average is ranging from 11 KMPL to 13 KMPL, in city conditions on New Delhi Roads. Due to my busy schedule, I did not get chance to drive on highway yet but for sure it will be an excitement. SX4’s real power show will be on Highway only because 130-140 KM/H did not give any feel that you are driving too fast. I am really waiting for Diwali vacation when I am planning to drive this car on 8 Lane New Delhi – Agra highway. Don’t worry I will not violate any traffic rules or will not be driving rash J but for sure will be enjoying the drive.

Few people say 8KMPL, which I feel is very low, you can consider the lower side as 11 KMPL. If you will compare this with Honda City which gives 13-14 KMPL in city conditions, SX4 is still justify 12-13KMPL because of powerful engine, Honda City is 77 BHP but SX4 - 172 BHP Car.

And don’t neglect the fact that mileage is also dependent on the way of driving. If someone maintains the car with timely services and proper care then he/she has more chances to get good mileage.

So net–net conclusion is Maruti SX4 average is 12-13 Kilometer per liter.

DISCLAIMER: Above specified figures are totally based on my personal experience, company or other sources does not have any connection with it.

Safe Driving, Happy Driving!!!

Best Regards,
PT.
______________________________
Pushpendra Tiwari

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Maruti SX4: Heck of an upstart to the City

Source : Moneycontrol.com

Maruti is getting an image makeover. Besides being a mass producer of compact cars, it wants to be a respectable premium carmaker as well. So, it launched the SX4 and they hope, it makes more of an impression on customers than the Baleno did.

It will be a brand new platform for Maruti, which is changing with the times. It happened with the Swift, the Estillo and now with the SX4. The SX4 is an all-new car and the front of this car looks hot. It has a U-shaped bonnet, inset headlamps, a heavyset bumper leading into a sporty air dam, which gives it a dashing racy look. With the rear fender that tilts up into the bumper and the roof-line that swoops down into the bonnet, this gives the impression of an athlete waiting to takeoff from the starting block.

What is also striking is the interior of the car. It's is very sporty, very clean and very nice looking. The ZXi model is definitely very upmarket. It comes with leather seats, flush mounted CD changer, audio system controls on the steering, height adjusted seats, automatic temperature control and auto adjustable side view mirrors. Some of these features will be available on the VXi variant as well. The neat dials, curved dashboard, chrome flashes on the side of the central console and the sporty gear knob all catches the eye. This interior looks slick.

Those who get chauffeured around, this backseat is really good and there is a lot of glass area in this car, so, it gives a very roomy and airy feel to the cabin. Seating and visibility is high and thigh support is good. The backrest is at a perfect incline, so, lumbar support is good. Long journeys in this one can be extremely comfortable.

But it's not going to be only about looks. The car handles pretty well and corners nicely. The wide tyres give it grip and it has got good body control for a car that has got a high ground clearance and high centre of gravity. The ZXi comes with 16-inch alloys and 205/60 tyres which can be called the widest in the segment. Add to that ABS, EBD and airbags and you have even more value-addition. The electronic power steering is a little light and doesn't inspire confidence, when driving straight ahead at high speeds. The clutch is hydraulically operated and the gear shift has a nice short positive throw.

The SX4's 1.6 litre engine now comes with a 102bhp and a healthy 145 nm torque. The torque band comes in at 2000 rpm till about 4000. It loses a little steam at the top-end but its plus point is that its driveable and you can amble around in low gears, with no need to shift that often. This engine design makes it a refined machine to drive. Though it lacks the zesty punch of the Esteem, it's still quick. However, the bottom-end isn't its strength and has linear acceleration. It cruises well on the highway and overtaking is a breeze.


The ride quality gets a thumbs up. It is soft, pliant and soaks up the bumps and undulations. So, Maruti loyalists should be happy to have a well thought out car. This car drives nicely, has a lot of space, the top-end version comes fully loaded with good features. For those wanting diesel rides, there is always the Verna and the Fiesta but others looking for petrol cars, take a look at this before anything else. It is expected to be priced between Rs 6.75 to Rs 8 lakhs. Maruti would hope the SX4 scores for it in the midsize segment, where the SX4 meets the Honda City, which is the leader in the segment.

Best Regards,
Pushpendra Tiwari

Maruti SX4 | Incomparable “Made in India” Car

My Test Drive Experience....

Here is a detailed research and analysis about the SX4.

I took the test drive of SX4 today and completely bowled on the spot. This car is really Awesome or I would say incomparable in this segment “C”.

Let me go a step back and explain you why I was completely flatted: Well I WAS looking for C segment car from last 2-3 months and I was researching on Web, visiting dealers and taking test drives etc. I took the test drive of Ford Fiesta, Verna, City etc and finally started the process of making my mind that there is no other option then Honda City. The parameters I took in consideration Price, Mileage, Luxury, Comfort, Brand and Resale value. I was planning to materialize my decision soon BUT Suddenly I heard that Maruti is planning to launch a new car and I decided to hold my decision for few more days.


Source: Carwale.com


And very soon Maruti rolled out SX4. I was swimming on web to find out more and more details and I did get it. I found a comparison chart where SX4 was compared with Fiesta, City / i-Vtech, Verna, and Corolla, and SX4 was leading the chart with best height, width and road clearance 190 MM, better then any other big size car including SUV Scorpio which is 180 MM (visit it’s site for detail).

And finally today I visited Maruti showroom at New Delhi and took test drive of SX4 twice, and spontaneously decided to buy new Maruti SX4 Zxi top model. Below are some minor highlights:

  1. It has a fresh jazzy sporty look
  2. Extreme comfort for passenger and driver. Adjustable driver’s seat Height
  3. Full of sensors like – If you miss to wear seat belt, car will indicate you before traffic police :)
  4. ABS / EBD
  5. Tubeless tyres with alloy wheels
  6. Automatic climate control. It also tell you the temperature in out side the cars
  7. Joystick control for outside rear view mirror
  8. Audio control at steering wheel
  9. Dual Airbags with releasing seatbelts technology
  10. Euro – 4 compliance engind
  11. Engine very quiet and excellent pick up
  12. Adjustable steering column tilt
  13. Driver seat height adjuster

And many more…!

Only hidden item which has not been declared by Maruti yet is Mileage. It seems a strategic move by Maruti to capture the market. I discussed with dealers and users it will be some where around 12-16 KMPL, which looks not bad for a luxury segment car.

Hope this information will help you, in case of more information visit nearest Maruti dealer.

Open for feedback, if you feel this information is helpful; do not forget to leave some comments here.


Best Regards,
Pushpendra

Maruti Launches SX4 Sedan

Dated: 7th May, 2007
Source : Maruti Udyog / Moneycontrol.com

Car market leader Maruti Udyog today launched SX4 sedan, a bold, muscular and feature-packed car, powered by the global M-series engine and built on a brand new platform.

SX4 sedan is the second global car, after the Swift, from Suzuki Motor Corporation, the parent company of Maruti Udyog. SX4 Sedan is making its debut in India, before being launched in Europe and Japan.


Speaking at the launch Mr. Jagdish Khattar, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Udyog, said “SX4 sedan is just the right car with which Maruti Udyog can reinforce its presence in the A3 segment and enhance its leadership”.

He added: “The large number of customers who bought our compact cars 4-5 years ago, and also Esteem and Baleno customers, will now choose the SX4 as the next upgrade option. Besides, people who like to own a Maruti Suzuki car, but were considering moving to competitors because we did not offer an A3 segment car of their choice, will now choose the SX4 sedan”.

The SX4 sedan is being launched soon after Maruti Udyog has completed its best year ever (2006-07) in terms of sales, financials, investment milestones and model launches.

All the company’s three new launches last year – WagonR Duo, Zen Estilo and Swift Diesel --- achieved record success.

Global car with Global Engine

The SX4 sedan is fitted with an advanced M series engine. The M-series represents the future of Suzuki’s engine technology. It is designed to be compliant to Euro 4 and Euro 5 norms in future. Suzuki has developed this engine by picking up the best features of the engine series used so far in Suzuki vehicles and incorporating them in this latest series.

The 4-valve, 1.6 liter engine will produce a maximum power of 102 bhp @5500 rpm. The engine also has a high torque of 145Nm @4200 rpm, which makes driving comfortable.

Xtra large

The SX4 sedan is the tallest, widest and the longest car in its class. It comes with the widest tyres, and a boot space of 505 liters.This ground clearance of 190mm is the highest in A3 segment in the country.

Feature packed sedan

SX4 sedan is equipped with features that impart aesthetics, status, convenience and safety. It offers a music system integrated with the dashboard, with audio control on the steering wheels. In addition, auto climate control system provides comfort and convenience. The antenna is embedded in the glass, further enhancing aesthetics of the car. An illuminated key insert and variable instrument illumination are among the other unique features of the SX4 sedan.

The SX4 sedan is available in two variants: Vxi and Zxi. In addition, Zxi comes with the option of a leather pack comprising leather seats, leather steering cover and leather door trims. The SX4 is available in seven vibrant colours.

The “S” in “SX4” stands for Sport. “X” denotes RelaX. “4” denotes 4-seasons drive.

Safety

The SX4 sedan is fitted with safety features like ABS, EBD and Dual SRS airbags. It also has front and rear side door impact beams. Safety is enhanced through seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters .

In the internal EURO NCAP testing, the SX4 sedan has got a high rating of 4.

The upright, theater seating in SX4 sedan provides better visibility.

The immobilizer, a state-of-the-art anti theft device, has also been installed in the SX4 sedan.

SX4 sedan and Maruti engineers

The localization level of SX4 sedan is 79%. Maruti’s engineers have contributed in making the car suitable for Indian conditions, especially in critical areas like suspension tuning, ground clearance, engine tuning and seat comfort. Interiors have been toned to the taste of Indian customers.

The SX4 sedan will be manufactured at Maruti Udyog’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Manesar, which was formally inaugurated in February 2007.

Suzuki Motor Corporation and SX4 Sedan

The SX4 Sedan is a significant model for Suzuki Motor Corporation as well, as the company evolves from being the leading mini car maker in the world, to a complete car maker.

Recent Suzuki cars, including the Swift and now the SX4, come with a more aggressive, curvy and bold design. The European design influence is clearly evident. This is a deliberate shift from the staid and straight lines, traditionally seen in Suzuki models.

Alongside the conscious shift in product design, Suzuki has taken other initiatives in its evolution, including entering the World Rally Championship.

It has also embarked on developing “global cars” like Swift and SX4 which, while exuding an international and contemporary feel, are tuned to domestic requirements of individual markets.
Price.

The SX4 Sedan has been priced aggressively as an introductory offer.

EX-SHOWROOM (Rs) at New Delhi
1. Model: SX4Vxi - Price: 618000
2. Model: SX4Zxi - Price: 689000
3. SX4Zxi leather - Price: 724000

If you feel this information is useful; please do not forget to leave some comments here.

Regards,
Pushpendra
New Delhi, India