Universal Debate- City or SX4. Review on Maruti Suzuki SX4

I have been monitoring this board for quite some time and also lot of other blogs, review boards etc to just get a feel of what people say about the SX4.

I have done a through research of SX4 and Honda city and yeah friends I test-drove the New Honda City twice and test-drove the SX4 4 times (yeah very patient Maruti Dealer) and here are my findings.

Initially I was gung ho on SX4 Vxi model cause that was my budget (ex showroom of 6.16 L). However when I test-drove the Honda City Exi I increased my budget to 6.52 L (6.77 ex showroom – discount of 25 k). Finally I stretched my budget to 6. 87 lacs to close out on the Sx4 Zxi. Yeah I know loooot of confusion, but kya kare this is India .. and so my country men I have decided to pen down my thought process, hope it helps someone make the right decision too.

1)      Exteriors – I am 6.2 ft tall and I felt one with the SX4. I felt yeah this is my machine, the vechile suited my persona and height totally. I loved the aggressive front grill look and the over all ground clearance. The look will appeal to the younger generation (yeah btw I am 28) as the same is very sporty and aggressive. The alloy wheels in the Zxi version also looks just toooo good.

2)      Interiors – Here kinda slightly disappointed, as the City has very good rear space. In the NHC one can fold ones leg under the seat in the rear and this gives and impression of space in the car. One can even stash small bags here and remove ones footwear and push it under the seat incase of a long drive. The front panel also scored more than the SX4 Vxi. However in the SX4 Zxi model the front panel looks great with the integrated sound system, the a/c knobs too look wonderful. Back seat centre arm rest issue is a know issue in SX4, however for a small family like mine (me, wife and one kid), the armrest issue is a non issue. Hence to close this point, the interior’s in Vxi are not that great, however the front console in the Zxi is just too good and looks better than City Gxi.

3)      Performance – I have friends who own the SX4 and they are getting 14 kms after 1000 kms. The mileage still would be still 1-2 liter less than what City gives. But the same can be made up in the cost of the car. The engine in the Sx4 is far better than the City. The vehicle just responds so well to any command given, that one needs to keep a very firm head  and not get carried away while driving SX4 , as the vehicle gives one a sense of huge power. Engine sound can be heard a bit in the car . not too loud just a wee bit and that’s ok. City is not that powerful, but it’s a very silent car, if you are those types who has a driver and loves to sleep at the back while you travel go for the Honda City. But if you love to drive. .. SX4 is for you.

4)      Safety- Here is where I decided to go in for the ZXI and not the VXI. The ZXI model offers Air bags, ABS and EBS breaking system. Trust me ABS and EBD is just wonderful. During the test drive of the ZXI, I without warning steped on the gas and touched 100 – 110 kmph and the Maruti exec almost died with heart failure when I suddenly braked with my steering turned totally towards the right. I expected the car’s bum to swerve towards the left, but trust me the vechile did not skid one inch. Man I was totally impressed and the executive almost pissed in his pants, but he could see me grin with satisfaction and he knew that he had sold the car to me and so he kept his swearing to himself ( I urge you all to not try this stunt, I will not be held liable for your actions). City has a space in the bonnet between the chasis and the outer bonnet, which is supposed to protect any one you dash. Apart from this I do not see any additional safety features in City.

Though the waiting period for SX4 ZXI is 30-40 days, its worth the wait. One does not purchase a car on a daily basis and one cannot compromise on the safety of ones family.

If your budget does not allow you to purchase ZXI version, I suggest you make a look at the Honda exi version too as both these vechiles are almost the same w.r.t safety features. Infact in my opnion a vechil as powerful as the SX4 needs the safety features of the ZXI model.

Hence SX4 ZXI is the best choice for a person who is safety conscious.

Some other points

1)      Cost of maintenance in any Maruti car is much lower than a Honda for eg the bumper in the City costs 10 k + and the bumper in SX4 costs 2k max. With its reach and extensive network one can always be assured of service anywhere in the country.

2)      The music system in the ZXI might not be upto the mark for some people ( I am happy with it, as I don’t like loud music while driving). But if you want a better output, just change the speakers and the output will be great.

3)      There are many other nitty features which make SX4 ZXI a better choice . .for eg Climate control,  glass antenna, immobilizer etc.

I hope this review helps anyone who is making a choice btw SX4 and City. If you have any questions please get in touch wit me.