Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.. is out with it's cutting edge new model, Maruti Suzuki SX4, a joint venture made by two of automobile czars, Suzuki and Maruti. The model closely follows the Swift platform, therefore, it is easily available with exclusive features which makes it all the more desirable among car connoisseurs. A mini SUV (sport utility vehicles) style, SX4 is almost like a car in it's construction & comfort context.
The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is a part of Italian designed subcompact 4 door sedans and 5 door hatchback that Suzuki has developed with Fiat. It is being manufactured in Japan, India, Hungry and Russia. Launched in 2006, this car is being sold in India in 4 door sedan petrol version. With Maruti Suzuki DZire as entry level sedan, SX4 is positioned against Honda City, Hyundai Versa, Ford Fiesta and General Motor Aveo. Maruti SX4 is also replacement of Maruti Belano which was with 1.6 liter engine and was not doing so well in this segment. It is being marketed in Europe both by Fiat and Suzuki. Hatchback version has also got good sales and reviews in North America, where it is being marketed as AWD (All Wheels Driven) with 2.0 liter engine in Canada and USA as SX4 crossover and as SX4 sedan sports.
In India the car is powered by 1586 cc DOHC petrol engine in three variants VXi, ZXi , ZXi (with leather seats option) is powered by 5 speed manual transmission. The engine develops maximum power of 102 bhp@5500 rpm, the maximum torque is 145 Nm@4200 rpm. This engine is more powerful than the other cars in its class.
The electronic power steering gives ease in driving, it has the widest tyres in its class and high ground clearance. Maruti SX4 has a contemporary European design with tall stance, muscular looks, large tyres giving it a really a beautiful look. This coupled with beige interiors, well designed instrument panel and optional leather seat covers give Maruti SX4 a luxurious touch. The additional feature in ZXi model is front dual airbags, Antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Braking force Distribution (EBD), automatic weather control and stereo. The boot is specious at 505 liter.
Maruti Suzuki SX4 has been received well by the consumer both due to its looks and performance. In India it is doing well in its class. The SX4 driving position is excellent like a mini-SUV with adjustable steering it adds to driving pleasure giving excellent visibility. The car is spacious inside and with aiding ergonomics, it comfortable for long drive. Maruti SX4 is peppy compared to its competition in 0-100 km.
It gear box is not as smooth as Honda City but in mid range 2500-5000 rpm is a strong punchy car to drive. The success of Maruti SX4 has forced the market leader Honda City to launch a new model, other competitors Hyundai, General Motors and Mitsubishi are also trying to come up with the challenge that Maruti Suzuki SX4 has posed in A3 segment, where so far it was a marginal player.
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