Maruti SX4 Car Review in India

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

Launch of the Maruti Suzuki SX4 coincides with the phasing-out of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, which was launched in 1999 and could not see great success. The SX4 is the second international offering from the house of Maruti Suzuki, the first being the Swift. 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 new SX4 is being touted as the tallest, widest, and broadest sedan in its class. It is available in three variants, Vxi BS III, Zxi BS III and the 1.6L AT. The new Maruti SX4 boasts of various features which are available only in cars that cost about a lakh more as compared to it. That is why the new SX4 is expected to give a tough competition to the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda City, and Hyundai Verna.

The SX4 Vxi, Zxi and 1.6 AT variants derive power from a contemporary and economical 1.6L I-4 BS III compliant petrol engine that delivers a generous 102 bhp of power @ 5,500 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4,200 rpm.

The Vxi as well as the Zxi are maneuvered by a highly responsive electronic power steering and are mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed manual transmission. While the 1.6 L AT comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox for a relaxed driving experience.

All the three variants ride on independent 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 the car sail over the uneven Indian roads offering the occupants of the new SX4 with a silky ride.

Ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear provide sharp stopping power to the new SX4 and minimize its stopping distance. The Zxi and the 1.6L AT come 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 Maruti Suzuki SX4 to be driven on all kinds of roads without the worry of its floor being damaged. With a turning radius of 5.3 metres, it can be driven, turned, or swerved in narrow lanes without any hitch.

The Vxi stands on 195/65 R15 tubeless tyres while the Zxi and the 1.6L AT are propped on 205/60 R16 tubeless tyres. Fuel tank of the three variants can hold a maximum of 50 litres.

Influenced by the latest European design trends, the facelifted 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 grille and a headlamp cluster touching the bonnet. At the rear, the new SX4 has got a large tail gate and rear bumper that improves its expediency.

The three variants come with body-coloured bumpers, rear fog lamps, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, and a glass antenna. Some exterior features limited to the Zxi and the 1.6L AT include front fog lamps and alloy wheels.

With a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm and a high roof-line, the 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, the Vxi as well as the Zxi 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).