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