| | | | Maruti SX4 |  | | | | | | | |  Autocar, Writes
"Suzuki's SX4 sedan made its world debut at Geneva. Like its five-door sibling, the new model combines responsive dynamics, 4x4 capability and high levels of practicality with a comfortable and cosseting interior, Suzuki has used the talents of Italian designer Giugiaro, who also helped design the SX4 crossover. The interiors are also very fresh and modern with large and airy cabin."
Maruti SX4 - A Sedan that can surprise says S. Muralidhar
The Hindu Business Line
Three world strategic models, as Suzuki calls them - the Swift, the new Grand Vitara and the new SX4 - have all contributed to the resurgence of Suzuki image as a competitive global manufacturer of attractive looking, quality cars in more segments than its traditional stronghold of small hatches.
The SX4 sedan, like the Fiat and Suzuki hatchback counterparts, clearly attempts at offering the sedan buyer the feel of premium ness and the performance of a bigger sedan even as its is sharply focused at practicality.
Similarly, the overall dimensions of the SX4 have again been chosen to offer more to the customer in this segment compared to the competition in this price class. So, the SX4's wheelbase and width will actually compare favorably to cars prices in the Rs. 10 lakh plus price segment. Accentuating the look and feel of the SX4's size is the strong raised shoulder line and the high ground clearance of 190mm. Flared wheel arches attempt to distract the onlooker's attention from the large gaps between body panels and tyres.
At the rear, the tail-lamps dominate the stubby, nearly notch-back style boot lid. Reflectors integrated into the rear bumper and a third stop lamp offer additional safety.
High-end safety features such as anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, and dual front airbags will be available as standard only in the top-end ZXi variant.
But other features such as adjustable tilt steering, variable instrument cluster illumination, tubeless tyres, in-dash digital time and temperature display, and rear glass-integrated antenna are standard features in both the trim levels...
Bijoy Kumar from Business Standard writes
Step into the SX4 and you are greeted by a very functional interior that has been deliberately meddled with to grab your attention.
Two plasto-chrome strips line the centre console and there is a good sprinkling of the stuff elsewhere too, adding to the "expensive and sporty" look. Dark dials and orange displays according to me belonged to Audis of the nineties but do not look all that out of place in a Suzuki sedan.
 Look at the kit! The top-end City doesn't have any of the gizmo bits thrown into the SX4 ZXi, and the latter costs way less. But the new age construction of the Honda with tis petrol tank situated under the front seat means rear passengers can fold their legs under the seat - something you cannot do with the SX4.
Settle in the comfortable seat, adjust the mirrors, fire the motor and you are in for an audible surprise. Unlike the previous Suzuki engines, this one makes its presence felt. You can pick up the valve gear and other mechanical noises.
The new 16-valve M-series motor displaces 1586cc and it generates 102 bhp at 5500 rpm and 14.5 kgm torque at 4200 rpm. Hardly any revs? Well, this is a typical Euro-spec motor from Suzuki and on that does not need to be revved to the moon for good results.
The ride quality is sublime for a Suzuki (I drive one on a daily basis, I should know) and the car has enough ground clearance for you to quit worrying about speed breakers. The heart-breaking thumps normally associated with fragile cars and potholes are missing in action.
The SX4 looks, feels and drives like a car that is better put together than any other Suzuki that is made in India. Exceptional fit and finish (including the interior bit) takes it to the same league as the Honda. | | | | | |