Honda City has been the class leader and a bench mark for over a decade. No Car could even come close to City forget toppling it from its formidable position in C segment. Not many cars therefore ventured in to this territory as it meant a certain defeat. Maruti has redefined the game and has fired its first salvo in form of SX4 straight in to heart of the Honda territory and engaged City head on.
The test drive in SX4 – Zxi was a marvelous Experience. The aggressive front styling, sweeping front to back headlamps, the quarter glass embedded in the front windscreen, the massive tyres, front styling neatly integrating in to rear gives the SX4 an awesome look.
Step in to Car and a large glass area welcomes you to an airy well lighted cabin. The dashboard is neat, with a combination of black and use of chrome. The dials look great, switch gear, aircon vents, and information display of temperature and clock, integrated CD player with audio controls set on steering wheel makes dashboard exiting and a useful touch. The car has leather seats with seat belt pre – tensioners. Seats are comfortable, high and offer good back support. SX4 is spacious and offers good leg room in front and rear. Getting in and out of SX4 is easy. Boot with 505 litres is massive.
As we start the car, the latest debutant M series Engine from Suzuki roars to life. The powerful 1586 cc, 16 valves M series engine is designed to meet emission norms and equipped with fly by wire throttle for accurate fuel marking. The Engine generates maximum output of 102 bhp @ 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 145 nm @ 4200 rpm. The car has estimated top speed of 174 Km / Hr with a 0 – 100 dash in just about 12.2 seconds. Steering is amazingly responsive. Transmission is five speed manual. The gear shift is smooth, exiting and reminds one of Swift.
The ride quality is superb. Suspension is admirable. The car is able to negotiate small potholes and bad roads without transferring the impact to its occupants. Excellent ground clearance hence will take care of speed breakers. The brakes are fabulous and coupled with ABS gives one a very reassuring feel.
On the flip side . The car has average fuel efficiency between 12 – 13 km / litre which could have been better. The styling in the rear is contemporary and could have been more exiting. Rear tail lamps lack punch. Third passenger may not be that comfortable in the rear and to add the retractable armrest in the rear seat of SX 4 protrudes in the back of the third passenger. Maruti seriously needs to sort this issue.
On comparison with Honda City, in terms of Space, fuel efficiency and refinement Honda scores distinctly over SX 4 . However at a price tag of Rs 7.60 lakhs` which is Rs 5000 / - less then Honda city ZX Gxi which is costing Rs 7.65 lakhs( Ex showroom Mumbai) SX4 beats the competition with the features which are miles ahead.
No other car in this segment offers you better safety features, equipments and such a excellent VFM package. SX4 is bigger, wider and offers you ABS, EBD, Climate Control, Fog lamps, two Air bags, which are not available in City as a Standard. SX4 is therefore a fully loaded car and cheaper then the City.
Maruti service network with 500 sales outlets, 2417 service centers spread across 1173 cities with over 11860 trained service personnel gives SX4 a distinct premium. Go for it ….!