Maruti Suzuki SX4

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, made its entry into the populated mid-sized sedan segment in 2007 when it introduced SX4 sedan in the country. The vehicle was introduced in only petrol model initially, but it failed to generate good volume. Soon, the company felt the need of diesel version and in 2011 MSI launched the SX4 powered by the 1.3-litre DDiS (Multi-jet) engine. Despite being a great product, it lost its charm as the segment was flooded with several competitive products including Verna, Vento and others.

Under the hood, the SX4 gets the 1.3-litre DDiS oil burner that churns out a top power of 88.8bhp at 4000rpm and 200Nm of peak torque at 1750Nm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which transmits power to front wheels of the car. This motor offers an impressive mileage of 15kmpl in city and 21.5kmpl on highways. The petrol model gets the 1.6-litre; VVT (variable valve timing) produces a top power and torque of 103.3bhp at 5600rpm and 145Nm at 4100, respectively. The gasoline motor delivers a decent fuel efficiency of 9.3kmpl in city and 15.5kmpl on highways. Maruti Suzuki India also introduced the CNG version of the SX4 mid-sized sedan, which is priced at Rs. 7.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is being offered in two trim levels- V and Z. While the entry level petrol model is priced at Rs. 7.32 lakh and Rs. 8.74 lakh for high end model, the diesel SX4 is tagged at Rs. 8.32 lakh for base model and Rs. 9.85 lakh for top-of-the line variant.

Maruti SX4 is one of the tallest and spacious sedans in its league. The front facade features the large headlights incorporated with aggressive grille, while the rear end gets the stylish bumper, gargantuan windscreen and high mounted boot, which makes it look more masculine. Not just exteriors, the SX4 also gets impressive interior ingredients as well. The high end models of the sedan comes equipped with several features such audio system with AUX/USB, electric power steering, automatic climate control, steering mounted controls, upmarket seats and several others.

When it comes to safety and security, the SX4 mid-sized sedan comes loaded with advanced ABS (Anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic brake distribution force) I-CATS immobilizer and remote key-less entry.

After seeing the increasing competition and regular fall in SX4 sales, Maruti Suzuki India is all set to introduce an-all new mid-size sedan, which will be the successor for the current generation SX4. The company understands that SX4 requires a makeover to create some enthusiasm among the car buyers. Codenamed YL1, the sedan is expected to be unveiled at the next year's Indian Auto Expo. It is also expected that the vehicle could be launched soon after the expo or by the end of the first quarter of 2014.

The new model will be based on Ertiga's platform and is likely to carryover the interior design, powertrains and features with the Swift hatch and Ertiga. It will also be made available in both petrol and diesel guise. While the petrol variant will feature the 1.4-litre k2 petrol engine, the diesel model is expected to be powered by the current 1.3-litre multijet motor.

Exterior

Maruti Suzuki SX4 looks masculine and impresses with its styling and elegance at very first glimpse. Based on the crossover platform, the sedan offers an aggressive styling at both front and rear end. It measures 4490mm x 1735mm x 1560mm (Length X Width X height), making it one of the most spacious and tallest sedans in its segment. It offers a good legroom space for both front and rear seat passengers. The front facade of the sedan comes equipped with mesh grille, larger headlamp cluster, sporty bumper and the air dam divided into three parts. The vehicle gets the gargantuan windscreen which features the intermittent wipers.

The side profile gives an elegant appearance to the car, however the company has given some sporty touches to it as well. It gets body colored ORVMs, door handles and aggressive wheel arches incorporated with 15-inch steel wheels. The top-of-the line model gets the stylish 16-inches alloy wheels. While the entry level and mid variant sports the 195/65 R15 size of tyres, the high end variant gets the 205/60 R16 size of tyres, giving aggressive stance and high stability and ride quality.

The rear profile of the car looks more masculine and aggressive. The rear bumper is fitted with twin reflectors, rear defogger, tail lamp setting and large windscreen. The top variants have a best-in-class ground clearance of 180mm, while the entry level and mid variants have a ground clearance of 170mm. It is easier to maneuver this sedan on the narrow city roads, as it offers a minimum turning radius of 5.3 meters.

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is available in six paint scheme including Pearl Arctict White, Clear Beige, Serene Blue, Glistering Grey, Granite Grey and Silky Silver.

Interior

Inside the cabin, the Maruti Suzuki SX4 comes equipped with several exciting features and rich upholstery. The vehicle is quite spacious and offers a comfortable seat for five passengers. With good ground clearance and high wheelbase, it has excellent legroom, headroom and kneeroom space for both the front and rear occupants. The dashboard looks quite impressive and seats cushioning is very upmarket. The height adjustable steering, power windows, steering mounted controls and others reduce human efforts and drive can concentrate on steering itself.

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 comes equipped with several features including audio system for music freaks with AUX-in/USB support, rear view mirror, a vanity mirror, electric power steering, large glove box, door trims in leather cover, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry and others.

Engine & Transmission

Maruti Suzuki SX4 is being offered in both petrol and diesel guise. The petrol version which was first launched in 2007 is powered by the DOHC 1.6-litre petrol unit with VVT (Variable Valve Timing). This engine gets the MPFi fuel supply system and has been equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. This gasoline motor churns out a maximum power output of 103.3bhp at 5600rpm and 145Nm of peak torque at 4100rpm.

The diesel version of the sedan gets the 1.3-litre DDis oil burner producing 88.8bhp of top power at 4000rpm and a max torque of 200Nm at 1750rpm. With CRDi fuel supply system, the engine becomes more fuel efficient. The power is transmitted to front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

Performance & Handling

Maruti Suzuki SX4 is being offered in both petrol and diesel guise. While the petrol mill gets the refined 1.6-litre with variable valve timing (VVT) produces an impressive 103bhp, the diesel version features the very famous 90bhp, 1.3-litre 'MultiJet' engine. At idle speeds, the sedan is silent. When it comes to handling, the driver doesn't feel great at low or average speeds. The vehicle offers minimal turbo-lag and the diesel mill reaches its 5200 read line without any drop in power. The company has used the detent pin which significantly improved the gearshifts.

Maruti SX4 offers a balance, stable and comfortable drive on the busy Indian roads. The top-of-the line model has a ground clearance of 180mm, which is excellent and helps the driver to drive the sedan through bumpy and rugged terrains. However, the entry level and mid variants gets 170mm of ground clearance, which is more than enough to drive on urban conditions.

The sedan offers an excellent acceleration and pickup to the car enthusiasts across the nation. the diesel powered SX4 accelerates to 100kmph from stand still in just 13-14 seconds, which is quite an impressive figure within its league. It remains stable at a top speed of 154kmph. The petrol version takes just 12.1 seconds to reach 100kmph mark from standstill and it can attain a top speed of 170kmph.

Braking System

The company has incorporated the SX4 sedan with robust braking system with a high quality suspension system. The front wheels of the car have been equipped with a ventilated disc type of braking mechanism, while the rear wheels features a drum type system. Moreover, the vehicle also gets the advanced Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), which avoids wheel-lock on sudden braking and skidding on slippery roads. To offer a stable and hassle free journey on the Indian road conditions, the front axle of the vehicle gets an independent suspension with gas filled McPherson Strut type of a system with anti roll bar. The rear axle sports a semi-independent torsion beam with gas filled shock absorbers.

Mileage

The SX4 sedan is equipped with a variable valve timing based 1.6-litre petrol engine, which offers a decent fuel economy of 11.5kmpl in city and 15kmpl on highways. However, the mileage numbers could be better as other cars in segment are more fuel efficient than SX4. On the other hand, the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine paired with CRDi fuel supply system that delivers an impressive 15kmpl of mileage in City and 21.5kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki SX4 comes equipped with several active and passive safety features. It get dual front airbags for both passenger and driver, 3-point ELR (energy load reduction) front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters along with a 2-point lap belt for the rear centre passenger. Additionally, the sedan also features the child loack, height adjustable front seat belts, side impact protection beams, an iCATS (intelligent Computerised Anti Theft system) engine immobilizer, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution Force) and few others.

Verdict

Maruti SX4 comes equipped with loads of comfort and advanced features, making it a good value for money product. The high ground clearance and excellent NVH (Noise, Vibration and harshness) level and braking system makes it fun to drive even over the rugged and bumpy Indian roads. However, when it comes to competition, SX4 lacks as the competitors offer better looks, mileage and features. The low maintenance cost, reliability, good ride quality, resale value and excellent sales network for Maruti are the few positives with SX4 sedan.

Competition

Launched in 2007, Maruti SX4 was an instant hit, but with the introduction of new generation Honda City and Hyundai Verna, and with addition of new vehicles in the segment, it started losing its charm. It is a well known fact that Honda City has been the country's most reliable and top-selling mid-sized sedan, however in petrol version only. Now, the company introduced the diesel version too with a whooping 26kmpl of mileage, making it India's most fuel efficient product. So, on mileage, exteriors, interiors and features fronts City sedan outsmarts the SX4. However, the diesel variant of SX4 is much more refined and offers less NVH levels, while the first drive impression of City diesel says that NVH level could be better. On the other hand, the City in petrol version is the best product in its league.

Hyundai Verna too is an excellent product, but when it comes to driveability and handling Maruti SX4 scores maximum. Verna is an excellent sedan to drive through busy urban roads as the steering feels very light, however on highways its light steering become its disadvantage. On the other hand, SX4 steering is more precise and it gets more stiffer on high speeds and gets lighter in city driving and at low speeds.

Pros

Masculine built, spacious interior, impressive drivability

Cons

Petrol sedan mileage could be better, looks outdated when compared to the new-gen models in competition