Nov 13, 2009 04:43 PM
8860 Views
I purchased a Smooth silver color SX4 Zxi model. SX4 has a terrific pick up. At higher speeds I found it more balanced and less doddering. Ground clearance, turning radius, Boot capacity, Wider wheel base, Steering mounted controls, ABS/Airbags and good frontal view from driver's seat are the plus points. Maruti Suzuki service was also a key factor in me selecting this model.
But I guess it should not be a deciding factor because Maruti service is comfortable to the customer in terms of pick up/drop, follow ups for further services, easy access, good number of service stations, etc but in terms of áctual service óf the vehicle they are not very superior to other brands.
Pros and cons of SX4
Thick A pillar (I manage it with difficulty peeping through especially right turns), just okay mileage (10-11 kmpl with A/C in city at best), slightly stiff gear box (service team mentioned it will get smoother on little aging), few color choices(I like navy/dark blue or steel grey in cars but these are not available in SX4) are few minuses. 'High back rise' is not an issue as parking sensors are given free by almot all dealers.
Personally I don't find the head lights that impressive as sometimes the beam does not reach much of a distance even at high beam. I have driven 5000 kms. Despite a high ground clearance, I somehow feel the road grip and the ability to cling to the road is not very good in SX4. Engine noise is also a factor at higher speed. And when I checked other internet sites on feedback of SX4, the vibrations that come around dashboard is also being mentioned which I face sometimes when I drive in 3rd gear.
Other models I test drove:
Fiat Linea has good built, stylish exteriors but I found the power was inadequate & drive quality was not phenomenal. Interiors could've been better. Especially the levers, buttons & the dashboard panel though fabric is good in the high end model and the emotion pack option. Linea is not worth spending hard earned money. Especially the feedback from owners is not so good especially on dealer responses to maintenance issues.
Ford fiesta was good. Good drive quality, pick up (petrol variant). Interiors are not very good though. To compensate high maintenance cost, sops like 'first year insurance' paid by dealer are givenI feel the diesel variant was good.
Verna has better color variants, a good front grill but slightly outdated interiors (fake wood din't impress me much), not so good audio. But very good drive quality/pick up. Verna/Fiesta - diesel variant appeared value for money compared to petrol. Verna also gave me a narrower feeling when I sit in the driver's seat.
Despite being an owner of SX4 I am not degrading other models. I bought the car mainly due to its pick up, power, looks and manoeuvrability. A typical bachelor's choice. Verna is also a beautiful car. Its a good all round car. Ford fiesta is good but I feel interiors and additional features could be better for that price tag. I would not recommend Linea as definiely the owners will bleed when they plead with the dealer when it comes to maintenance.
I would strongly recommend new Honda city for C segment car. Drive quality (VTEC), mileage, style, interiors, road grip, safety are quite good compared to other cars. Ground clearance is not great though. Its a bigger problem as well if one needs to drive amongst speed breakers. These days even shopping mall parkings have huge speedbreakers. They have only one model 'S'. With an automatic variant. 'M' has been withdrawn as I understand from the dealer.My dad owns a Honda city (previous model) and the drive quality is much better compared to SX4, fiesta or verna. I am sure the new City variant should be even better.
It's just the invididual's taste to choose between these cars. I would recommend SX4 for enthusiasts who prefer high pick up and the 'macho' feeling that comes with the car. Definitely its a good car and I didn't rate other cars poorly since I own a SX4. Test drive more than once before deciding your car.
