Was deciding to buy a car as a replacement for my Hyundai Accent.Looked at mainly Verna and SX4. Bought SX4 Mainly for its height, so easy to get in to this car and get out (surprisingly easy for this segment). The other reasons I went for it was its features, I am a self confessed addon freak, where else would you get a integrated music system, automatic climate control, etc. at this price. Had completely ruled out Honda City as I personally felt that it was overpriced and would be costly to mantain in the long run.
After having driven for like 1400 Km in 1.5 months, here are my certain observations which might help you prospective buyers.
*Starting with the NEGATIVES:
1)** Car is a very bouncy, I fill it up to 30PSI as mentioned. I think I will have to fill in a little less than that, will post what happens, but I Fear that it will reduce the milage, lets see...
2) The view while backing up is a little problem, I guess spending on a Parking sensor would be a smart choice, though I have not got it installed yet.
3) The supplied remote for keyless entry attached with the key keeps making noise while driving on a bumpy road, it makes noise as in hitting the adjoining parts, hmm could not figure out what to do, suggestions would be helpful.
4) There should be a beeper for not wearing seat belts also.
5) There should be a low fuel warning light. ( got used to this feature after using Hyundai)
*Now lets see some of the POSITIVES:
1) **Good Milage, just drove in the city only, with the AC always on. Just needed to fill up the car 3 times till now and the milage is 11kmpl each of the 3 times on the premium petrol of Bharat Petrolium (SPEED). Considering the power this beast provides, it is commendable. If you want more milage, then why dont you get NANO.
2) I Like the music system, it is simply fabulous. Audio Controls on the stearing wheel is awsome. I do not use if for ear defning volume levels, but till the level I use (upto 30 in the car for those who have SX4) it is perfect, never tried more than that. Adding to it peopel, if you really want to check the audio quality of the music system, just for a change, use Original Audio CDS and then comment, do not use MP3s which are themselves pirated and then comment that it is bad.
3) Sitting Position is just amazing. The view you get and the feel is simply not comparable.
4) Like the feel of the engine, the noise it makes. It is definately Truely a Mans car. The sound of the REVs and the feel of the engine. For people who do not like this type of thing, do not go for this car and for those who already bought this car and are complaining, Didnt you see the Commercial for the same MEN ARE BACK. It was really evident from the same. Tough Luck now.
5) I find the Seats the most comfortable on the block, it keeps you attentive, not slouching and it also gives you a secure feel.
6) It handles the potholes very effortlessly.
7) The Dash is pretty awesome. See it in the night with the lights on... I am sure you will just love it. . .
8) Aircon with automatic climate control... hmm... What do I say for it... Simply Cool. Just what I needed, it really keeps you very comfortable, I must add, it actually spoiled me. :-)
I cant remember anything at the moment. will add to it later after I have driven it a bit more. At the end, I was being persuaded not to buy this, I did and I am really happy that I did.