May 10, 2007 01:50 PM
16359 Views
I have been thinking about buying a big car for some time and ultimately decided to wait for the two most awaited launches(Logan and SX4) before taking a decision. Eliminated Logan from my list after its launch. Then decided to wait for SX4.
I am glad that I waited. Got a chance to take a long test drive SX4 yesterday and here are my observations. (Model - ZXI)
Versions- The car comes in two versions VXi and ZXI. There is one more variant available in ZXI which has got leather seats(no other difference). The VXI is a stripped down version and I was not interested in that.
Looks - Not as great as Honda City. Looks like a Swift from the front and Fiesta from the back.
Interiors- Wow. The Instrument panel looks very stylish. The music system is inbuilt in the panmel itself and does not proutude. Audio controls are available on the steering itself - very stylish. 4 speakers with the rear ones fitted on the door.There is clock and temperature indicator in the panel. The vision from the front seat is ok and you can manage the car easily. Enough leg space for both front as well as rear passengers. Driver seat height adjuster is also a welcome feature.
Driving Experience - As soon as you press the pedal, you can feel the power of the 1586 cc. The drive was far superior then Honda City. The Power steering very responsive and the A.C sufficiently powerful.
Ground Clearance - The ZXI model has tubeless R 16 tyres. Can comfortably take the Indian roads.
Mileage - The dealer did not have a very convincing answer for the same. However I feel that the car will give 10 kmpl with ac on in city driving.
Safety Features - This is also one area where SX4 scores over Honda City. The ZXI model comes with ABS and Air Bags - for both driver and front passenger.
Boot Space - Dont have the dimension, but sufficiently large
Other Features-
The antenna is in built in the back window, so no ugly sticks coming up from the roof.
Headlight on reminder
Seat Belt reminder for Driver
Key Cylinder with illumination ring
Negatives -
1)The rear seat can accomodate only two people comfortably. The arm rest when folded up actually looks like a speed breaker between the two seats. Maruti should immediately rectify this.
2) The quality of the music system is not so great.
3) Finishing not upto mark
*Verdict
*Better than Honda City at this price. Mumbai on road price is 8.05 Lacs while City GXI is at 8.47 Lacs.
Abhishek
