SX4 . Review on Maruti Suzuki SX4

I own an Esteem, and a Swift zxi, and was eagerly waiting for SX4. Unlike swift, which was love at first sight, SX4 failed to impress me in the first look. So very sceptical I started to evaluate SX4.

EXTERIOR LOOKS.

First I felt it like a Swift with a boot. Looking at it again, the car looks very huge mostly because of the higher ground clearance. The glass in the A pillar makes possible for this car to be identified easily. The front has an agressive look  with the big bonnet and headlamps. The rear is just plain, with only one reverse lamp. The tyres in ZXi and the alloys give it a sporty look. I tried to come out of my dissatisfaction, the car looks pretty decent, and can stand along side a honda city, verna, and fiesta.

INTERIORS

The first thing which caught me was the audio controls on the steering. First in its class.  The Dash is pretty decently organised, with an inbuilt stereo systrem. The main thing I wanted - an auxiliary input for my ipod was available in the dash. - My dissatisfaction levels are coming down :) It also sounds good. 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, all on the doors. There is no speaker at the back.

The leather looks good and pleasant in beige colour. The front driver seat is good. Height can be adjusted too. The seating gives a confident view on the road. But the disappointment is the rear seat. Two people can comfortably sit. The middle hand rest when tucked back, protrudes a little bit which makes the third person really uncomfortable. Probably Maruti did it on purpose not to see SX4 in a taxi segment :) The rear seats are little higher than the front ones, giving passengers a view on the road !? The quality of the seats are good.

There are a lot of storage space in the doors, behind the seats. Boot is too big - uncomparable - even honda civic loses out here.

DRIVING

So much said, I started the engine (Zxi with ABS). Bit noisy compared to the swift, but can adjust. Gears are smooth. I just revved the engine, Its got enough power. I felt for a while honda city ivtec is better. But on increasing the speed to over a 100kmph, I started to like SX4. I touched around 120 to see a cyclist on a threatening position in front of me. I jammed the brakes in panic, I loved SX4 for the kind of brakes he has. He slowed and stopped in grace, with full control. The only point worth noting here is that I felt the steering not so responsive at that speed. Probably we all go to this speed only for a test, and hence can ignore this. Took him over real country roads - the big wheels and clearance is desirable.

CONCLUSION

I would say this car is decent enough and we have a good choice in the A3 segment. But definitely it is not a love at first sight  or must have. Please review your needs carefully before deciding on SX4. Verna is some where around -- for a lakh plus you get CRDI top end...but it too has its problems..and goodies...

11.09.2008

Finally I took my Honda Civic in May 2007, happily driving it till today