Oct 01, 2007 07:26 PM
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(Updated Oct 28, 2007 12:13 AM)
Maruti’s second global offering after the very successful Swift is Maruti SX4. The first thing is the engine, which Maruti claims has the performance of an A4 segment car, is being launched globally with the SX4 in India first.
The SX4 comes with Maruti’s new M-16 engine, it has a drive by-wire throttle and it produces a healthy 102 bhp. It also has an extra 2 kgm of torque. Therefore, obviously, it did come out ahead. The SX4 is undeniably chunky and funky and lined up against the sea of ordinariness that is the C-segment, is refreshingly different. The aggressive grille swept back headlamps and steeply raked windscreen along with the chunky wing mirrors and kinked quarter glass make for a head- turner with imposing road presence. The only ordinary, or should I say conventional part of the design is the boot section but even that is well integrated into the overall design language, the prominent shoulder line merging into the tail lamp and the tail section being suitably pumped-up and muscular. In fact viewed from the rear three-quarters the SX4 looks huge. Boot space, at 505litres, is the best in class.
The driving position of the SX4 is excellent even though the steering is adjustable only for rake and is high-set in a mini-SUV sort of way. This results in excellent visibility and means the hip-point is rose, which sees you walk into the car. Overall spaciousness is very good with the rear seat squab slightly raised over the fronts to improve visibility while also aiding ergonomics and comfort over long durations.
The large glass area gives the cabin a light and airy feel, complemented by a clean uncluttered dash that borrows a number of elements from the Swift, not the least of which is the three-dial Speedo binnacle (backlit in cool white). That is no bad thing though; quality of materials is definitely superior and the only let down are the plastics around the door trims and the power window switches that are hard to touch and a little low-rent. The dash is contemporary and attractive without resorting to excessive use of beige, the two slivers of polished plasto-steel flanking the central console being both tasteful and understated. I particularly liked the rotary climate control knobs that have a metallic finish and operate with a beautifully tactile feel.
When going from 0-100, the SX4 is a clear winner but in gear, it is a different story. This is because the SX4 seems to run out of steam at around 5, 000rpm. The torque curve on the City is linear and crisper, which makes it very much drive-able in the city and is rapidly, the more refined engine. However, the SX4 engages the driver in the punchy, strong mid-range i.e. between 2, 500 and 5, 000 rpm. The gearboxes are. The SX4 steering leaves a lot to be desired. Over bumps and undulations, the steering gets skittish. In the city traffic, it feels just great to nip in and out of traffic and for parking, it is just wonderfully light. The SX4 leads on ground clearance.
The SX4, with its 16-inch rims and 205 tyres does offer better grip around tyres. Maruti SX4 will belch out a total of 102-horse power with the help of Suzuki’s advanced, next generation M-series global engine. The car will sport a 16-valve, DOHC, 1.6-litre engine that will meet the stringent Bharat stage-IV emission norms. In addition, the car can be made compatible with the forthcoming Euro-V emissions norms too, if needed.
SX4 has been especially groomed with Swift-like modern looks to take on the Honda City. The extended version of the same platform is being used for the SX4 that will currently be sold in China and India. The company claims the new SX4 to be the tallest, longest and the widest car in the ‘C’ segment. With enough of legroom and headroom in the offering, it will be a complete driver’s car. Cherry on the cake is its high ground clearance of 190mm. The short overhangs and the large glass area adds to its beauty and makes it more featurish.’
The exteriors of the SX4 had been crafted to make the interiors more spacious. Though this car is usually a hatch in other countries and is developed to a sedan, the SX4 is different, different from the competitors, it is like a crossover, and it has the presence of feel of a mini SUV type of look. This is reason why it stays away from the other saloon of this segment, its looks a bit of a class higher; it has the likes to take up with the Optra 1.6 and even the Toyota Corolla.
The muscular styling of this car reflects the power under this bad boy and the cockpit like interiors inside, this car is also the tallest, widest and the longest of the competition and makes it the complete young powerful man machine. This car is made from the influence of the so-called “Latest European design”. The SX4 is made to provide the best of luxury to their customers. The SX4 has an impressive ground clearance of 190mm, whereas the city has only 160mm. Tubeless tyres, alloy wheels, stop lamp, rear fog lamp, front fog lamps are the other exterior features.
Interior
The tail lamps dominate the stubby, nearly notchback style boot lid. Reflectors integrated into the rear bumper and a third stop lamp offer additional safety. Large, electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors offer the driver a good perspective, but may be prone to damage in the crowded roads of Indian cities. The SX4’s cabin has an airy, roomy feel despite the high shoulder line, thanks to the large glass area. The interior of the sedan has been a given dual-tone theme and though plastic panels abound, the quality of materials used and the finish is top-notch lending it a pleasing, user-friendly and premium feel.
This trim level comes with a neatly integrated in-dash music system as part of the standard package. Automatic air-conditioning with attractive matt-silver dials and steering-wheel-mounted controls for the music system are also part of standard fitment in the ZXi variant. To arm itself better for the fight with the Honda City, Maruti has chosen a number of comfort and safety features that will not be available in sedans currently available in the Rs 6-7 lakh price range.
Maruti Suzuki SX4 is assorted with elegant features, which makes the model worth possessing. These are:
ABS
EBD
Dual SRS airbags
Front and rear side doors having impact beams
Seat belt pre-tensionless
Force limiters
Car immobilizer
Anti theft device
Switchable three-mode 4×4 system for :
Hey frnds, latest HOT newz..
SX4 gona cum in 1.9 diesel engine vth a price of 8/9 Lakhs, D+ segment car in 2008, its gona kick out al d cars of C n D segments.
SX4 - 1910cc DDiS, 120Hp, torque 280 Nm at jst 2000 rpm, 0-100kms in jst 10.6 seconds, kerb wt. 1265 kgs
