I bought SX4 ZXI VVT from Rana Motors, Delhi on 3rd Feb. 2010 and have already done 10, 000 kms.
Would like to share my experience and hope you will find useful.
Some Pros:
Its and excellent Money for Value car.. Both Verna and Honda City iVTEC or Linea are almost same in features, but it comes at a lower cost with some added features. Have not tested VW Zeta and so can’t comment. Verna comes with almost same features and the looks have hardly changed since launch. On the other Honda City has superb looks but not only the initial cost is high, the maintenance and spares are also equally high.
In the end, I think this was the only choice for customers like me who don’t want to shell out too much money only on brand.
Regarding SX4 now..
Both riding and driving comfort are good. The car is very steady and in control even above 150kmph. The braking system is excellent while the broad tyres gives that extra grip in those crucial situations. The alloy wheels and tubeless tyres are a real plus with this price and I congratulate Maruti for the same.
The interiors are average overall. While the Dashboard and doors gives a better feeling, the instrumentation panel is just average - you will find the same in Swift to Swift Dezire to Ritz now.. Where is that extra differentiation for a sedan? The environmental control is good but the seats are just average and didn’t provide that extra support to thighs in long journey.
Look-wise the car is again average and needs some sporty look- I don’t think Maruti ever spends a penny on looks or aerodynamics of their cars.
Although Maruti claims an average of around 15.5kmpl, you will be lucky if you get around 11.5kmpl in city. On highways, you can expect an average of 12.5kmpl.
Now the worst part - as most of you have read, there is a big obstruction on the right side view because of faulty pillar design. Not sure, how Maruti safety tests cleared this design and there is hardly any comments from the company even when almost all the owners face this difficulty. Something Maruti management should take note of and get this fixed ASAP. For your own safety, drive carefully on hills and sharp curves as this is a genuine issue.
In the end, Rana Motors, Tis Hajari provided an exemplary example of Customer service and satisfied me on all aspects. Good work team.
Note: While servicing be careful - spend that extra 1-2 hours in workshop to make sure that the service engineer donot bypass some tests as they are pressed for clearing a minimum number of vehicles in day. Something Maruti and dealers must look into for sedan owners.
Happy driving!
Dinesh