Recently bought the SX-4 ZXI silky silver and feeling good about it. Looking for a mid segment car, I had shortlisted Honda city and SX-4. My first test drive or SX-4 was good experience to drive but wasnt happy about interiors. After a while did some research or both the cars and took another test drive.
Negative aspects: I would give my impression of the negatives first. The interiors arent so sophisticated compared to Honda city but for this price I am happy with them.
In the rear only two people can sit comfortably as the middle passenger would not be comfortable due to the hump in the seat at the back. I dont foresee fifth person in my car very often, so, dont care much. Once in a while a short ride with fifth person is not a big deal to break head over.
Rear visibility through the rear screen is not good as the car is high at the back. Its just a matter of getting used to it, need to use side mirrors and learn the trick. It appeared bad in the test drive but now feel fine with it.
Its not as good in traffic as on the clear stretches. You cant pick up easily on 2nd gear. But why should u pick up in second gear? Purely for city, its no match for honda city but overall not bad either.
Fuel economy will be known after about 3000 km of running in and isnt expected to be as good as honda ciy specially in city driving. I felt that lower price partly offsets it and then its a pleasure on highways to drive this car.
I thought about all these negative points but compared to the positives and price I had little doubt to choose it over honda city.
Positives: They are so many that negatives take a back seat. You sit high and feel like being in a mini SUV, drive is good, moment it crosses sticky traffic it becomes a pleasure. It glides smoothly, breaks are great. Not to mention the ABS and EBD. Music system is good, the controls on steering are so handy. During night the instruments appear great. The indications are ergonomically placed. Safety features like ABS and belt pre tensioners give confidence. Fog lamps, engine immobiliser, alloy wheels, amazing ground clearance with huge tyres, modern engine, Maruti network .there are so many things for the price. Here you have a fully packed car very reasonably priced.
Honda city’s exterior and interior definitely appears more chic and sophisticated, very handy and great use of space and quality material. But, its engine is very old now, technologically lagging, would be out perhaps next year. Features are non existent in EXI and GXI compared to what SX4 ZXI offers. Ground clearance not too great. Service network.ok but nothing compared to Maruti.
The hatch back SX4 was huge success in Europe in 2007. SX4 sedan is being launched in the USA this autumn. So, here you have a lates car well suited for indian conditions by Maruti priced aggressively.
I am happy:).cheers!