Maruti Suxuki SX4 - Men are Back. Review on Maruti Suzuki SX4

I am writing this after completion of 10,000 KM with my SX4 ZXi model.

I used to ride on SX4 only when I have to drive for more than 100 KMs in a stretch - otherwise my good old friend Wagon R is doing a fantastic job.

Ok - let us go ahead with good, bad and ugly avoiding any technical jargon.

You should opt SX4 for the following ----

a) Looks - Might be the first masculine car from Maruti (Of course Grand Vitara, SUV is also looking quite good). Some people feel the back side lifting up is not so good, but I loved the appearance. But, when I saw it in show room it was looking more good and big! When I started riding it more often, I feel like the looks are not that much appealing. Don't know whether it is a mind - game!

b) Ground Clearance- Well - here I give 100% score - the tyre size is also quite big (of course at the expense of mileage). So, fast riders - this is the best car for you. I used to ride at 140 - 150 KMPH at Pune - Mumbai Express way with out any trouble. Make it sure that you always check the tyre and maintain 33 PSI in all the four tyres

c) ABS - Goodness - have tested in only once where I have to apply sudden break and the result was superb!!!! No jerks, complete control over the vehicle ! (It is not available in VXI model)

d) Safety -Excellent - Compared to other Indian Cars, SX4 had given more thrust to safetey with tubeless tyres, ABS with EBD, fog lamps, defogger, electronic rear view mirror, airbags ---- quite nice.

Some unpleasant experience I had -

a) Power Steering -It failed on the first day and engineers spent two days to fix the problem. Might be I am one unlucky person to have such a terrible experience. So, don't want to generalize

b) Gear Box -I am lucky enough to be unlucky where in some cars were having issues with gear box and it failed once. After some fights with dealer and Maruti, they have replaced it with out charging. Also, sliding of gear lever could have been a bit smoother

c) Engine Power -Not too great but adequate

d) Internal Finishing - I should say Ford Fiesta score high. The rubber bead connecting window glass and car body etc is not having any fine finishing and seems they have sourced it from some local vendors. Also, all plastic components looks bad and I am sure they have compromised a lot in this aspect

e) Internal Space -The bumpy space in the middle of back seat and the space between front and back seat are not adequate

f) Mileage -You cannot satisfy any Indian customers with mileage. It is between 10 - 12 in express way! So, definitely not for short drive.

That's all ---- in total, I love the car for its look, drive comfort and of course it is a car which can be categorized as "value for money"