Maruti Suzuki SX4

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is an A3 premium segment sedan that blends style, comfort, performance, and safety.

Maruti Suzuki SX4 was launched in 2007. The debut of the SX4 coincided with the phasing-out Baleno that was incepted in 1999. The SX4 is the second international offering from Maruti Suzuki. India is the first country to see the launch of the SX4, which proves India's worth as one of the hottest car-markets in the world.

The SX4 is being touted as the tallest, widest, and broadest sedan in its class. It is available in five variants, VXi BS IV, ZXi BS IV MT, ZXi BS IV AT, ZXi BS IV Leather MT and ZXi BS IV Leather AT. The SX4 can flaunt many features which are available only in premium cars. That is why the new SX4 is expected to give a tough competition to the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

All the SX4 variants derive power from a contemporary and economical 1.6-litre In-line 4 VVT petrol engine that can generate a power of 103 bhp @ 5,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm.

The VXi BS IV, ZXi BS IV MT and the ZXi BS IV Leather MT are maneuvered by a highly responsive electronic power steering and are mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the ZXi BS IV AT and ZXi BS IV Leather AT are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission gearbox.

All the five variants ride on gas-filled McPherson strut suspension with anti-roll bar in the front and semi-independent torsion beam suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers in the rear. These types of suspensions help SX4 sail over the uneven Indian roads with smoothness.

Ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear provide sharp stopping power to the SX4 and minimize its stopping distance. All the versions of the Zxi comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that makes your command of the car safe on highways.

A ground clearance of 180 mm and 190 mm endows the new SX4 Vxi and Zxi versions respectively to be driven on all kinds of roads without the worry of its floor being damaged. With a turning radius of 5.3 metres, SX4 can be driven, turned, or swerved in narrow lanes without any hitch.

The Vxi stands on 195/65 R15 tubeless tyres while the Zxi is propped on 205/60 R16 tubeless tyres. Fuel tank of both the variants can hold a maximum of 50 litres.

Influenced by the latest European design trends, the new SX4 boasts of a trapezium form, with wide treads and large wheels. Measuring 4,490 mm in length and 1,735 mm in width, the new SX4 looks imposing. Arched fenders further add to its athletic and muscular stance. Its front fascia is dominated by a sporty boat-shaped honeycomb grille and a headlamp cluster touching the contoured bonnet. At the rear, the SX4 has got a large tail gate with a multi-faced taillight cluster and rear bumper that improves its expediency.

All the five variants come with body-coloured bumpers, rear fog lamps, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, and a glass antenna. Some exterior features limited to the Zxi include front fog lamps and alloy wheels.

With a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm and a high roof-line, SX4 offers roomy and comfortable interiors. It can seat up to five people and comes standard with fabric seats and power windows in the front and the rear. However, the Zxi is also available with the option of complete leather interiors that offers optimum comfort.

Some interior features common to both the variants are a heater, centre room lamp, twin map lights, remote operated fuel-tank lid, remote-operated trunk lid, rear seat centre armrest, adjustable head rests in the front and rear, and a rear defogger.

The Vxi comes with a manual air-conditioner while a single-zone auto air-conditioner maintains temperature in the Zxi. The Zxi is also equipped with a driver's seat height adjuster, a feature absent from the Vxi.

For safety of the driver and passengers, all the variants of the new SX4 feature seat-belts, child-lock rear doors, side impact protection beams, an intelligent Computerised Anti-Theft System (iCATS), and front door-lock canceller. iCATS is an engine immobiliser, which when fitted into an automobile prevents its engine from running unless the correct key is present.

However some safety features restricted to the Zxi are a driver's airbag, passenger airbag, 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiter, keyless entry, ABS and Emergency Brake-force Distribution (EBD).