Auto India, Car India

In 2007, when Maruti SX4 was launched, it faced much competition by the simultaneous launch, Honda City. The SX4 was a car with multifaceted features. The manufacturers had expected much market gain for this sedan. However the quick earned reputation and voluminous sale of Honda City, heavily affected SX4’s entry into the market and in turn its sale.
The re-launching of SX4 in 2009 is quite delightful as the manufacturers have worked at all the concerns faced in the prior model, based upon the market sales and reviews. The modifications in the design and the interior would attract a lot many buyers for sure. The only possible concern could be its low mileage!

Highlighting Features:

The 1.6L engine upgraded with VVT technology has got the capability to deliver higher power (maximum of 104 Bhp @ 5600 rpm). The driving experience is superb for sure.
Addition of features such as new honeycomb grille, door console containing power window controls can prove to be points of attraction. The overall look is definitely “eye-catching”, with the slight uplift at the bonnet and little bent at the front, little lowered earth looking headlamps and bold SX4 label, peculiar of SX4. Given below is the specification statistics.

General statistics -

• Name and Model : Maruti SX4 Zxi AT Leather
• Ex showroom price (Mumbai) : Rs 7,80,200
• Body type : Sedan
• Segment : C+ segment
• Available colors :
  Azure Grey
  Pearl Arctic White
  French Eclair
  Oyster Blue
  Clear Beige
  Silky Silver
  Midnight Black
• Engine type : Petrol
• Maximum power : 104 Bhp @ 5600 rpm
• Maximum torque : 145 Nm @ 4100 rpm
• Steering : Power
• Brakes : Front Disk, Rear Drum
• Gears : 5 (Manual)
• Wheels : Alloy wheels
• Fuel tank size : 50
• Fuel efficiency :
  15.5 kmpl (Highway)
  12 kmpl (City)
• Seating Capacity : 5
• Seat adjustment : Manual
• AC / Non-AC : AC with climate control system
• Music system : Dash Integrated MP3 System

Comments -

Another nice sedan (re)launched with arrival of Maruti SX4 Zxi AT Leather. With major modifications in the interior and design and addition of recent features, the car is completely equipped to serve needs of variety of customers, except kmpl.

The new 1600 cc(replacing the old 1586 cc), 1.6L petrol engine provided with 4 cylinder and the variable valve timing (VVT) technology is capable of producing large power(104 Bhp). Also it is the means of lowering the mileage of the car. The driving experience is definitely nice one in terms of the driver’s position and the engine output.

The variable valve timing (VVT) changes the intake valve as per the period of operations of the engine. It results in avoidance of shortage or wastage of power, better engine and fuel efficiency and less emission of carbon. The engine performance is improved very much due to VVT and car can move smoothly, climb effortlessly at steeps and accelerate quickly.

The external appearance is highlighted by the brilliant front bent and rear uplift in the shape, which gives an overall muscular look to the car. The car is given a macho look, as advertised by the manufacturers, which reflects through the tall car body, upright seat positions, wide front.

The wheels in the prior model had 5 spokes, which have been turned to 10 spokes. The wheel-size however quite mismatches with the total body specifications. The car grip with the road is maintained by wheels much effectively. The same can be experienced by turning fast at road corners.

The interior feels little cramped with the seat positions a bit clumsy and less space provided at rear seat leg. The visual appearance is however much pleasant with combinations of the leather coverings. The door console containing controls for power windows and mirrors are decorated with wooden finishing, which again adds up to the interior looks. The AC is nicely coated with matt-silver dials and functions with automatic climate control system.

The price range is greatly attractive considering the additional features and modifications to the base model. The immediate competitor Honda City is priced much higher than SX4 Zxi AT Leather.

Pros :

• Added stylish look for both interior and exterior keeping the same base design
• Available in seven attractive shades with addition of two new shades
• Alloy wheels with new 10 spoke design
• Powerful 1.6L engine with VVT technology
• The engine meets the Bharat IV norms, which will be in effect from April 2001
• All Zxi variants are available with blue or leather interior
• A new honeycomb grille
• Illuminated stereo controls on the steering wheel
• ABS and EBD
• Twin fog lamps
• Automatic transmission option
• Radio antenna in the windshield
• Additional door consoles including buttons for power window and the rear mirror, decorated by wooden finishing
• Comfortable and adjustable seats with a seating capacity of five
• Dash integrated music system (mp3), with USB input

Cons :

• Low fuel efficiency / mileage
• Little cramped feeling interior
• Wheel size unusually larger, producing outer mismatch look
• Rear seat arm rests without cup holders

Bottom Line :

The new Maruti SX4 Zxi AT Leather is a well structured, organized and decorated sedan, rich of comfort features and of course stylish in looks! It is completely cost compensating, fully loaded for all types of usages. The only point for debate can be its fuel compensation. The kmpl is surely quite less, but the overall power can be considered as compensative. The further models are expected to launch with improvements at the mileage concern. In short, it is a good deal.