Indian Automobiles: May 2011

Maruti SX4 Price : Rs 7,17,938* - Rs 9,19,248*

Maruti SX4 Review

The most talked about and much awaited car Maruti SX4 Diesel has finally been launched today. The sedan is equipped with the powerful Super Turbo DDiS engine which is capable of delivering 90PS of peak power at 4000rpm. Maruti SX4 Diesel offers fuel efficiency of 21.5 Kilometres per litre. Maruti SX4 Diesel Vdi is available at Rs.7.74 lakh , however Maruti SX4 Diesel is priced at 8.62 lakh in New Delhi.

India’s car market leader Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the Demo Maruti SX4 and Maruti Eeco Charge Electric concepts that are to be used in Delhi Commonwealth Games, 2010. Both the vehicles were displayed at Delhi Auto Expo, 2010. The new Maruti SX4 hybrid is packed with a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor which are mated to a five speed automated manual gearbox. The car can be run only on electric motor mode that enhances fuel economy and emits zero emissions. Added to that, the car is cheaper by up to 25 per cent than petrol one when hybrid mode is selected. The commercial launch of the car might take place in the near future as well.

Maruti has come up with a CNG fitted Maruti SX4 variant in India to win hearts of mileage conscious car lovers. The car has been equipped with advanced CNG factory fitted kit which promises overall engine performance to be higher, especially the mileage and power. The SX4 is priced at Rs 7.47 lakh (ex-showroom). The kit comes loaded with i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly.

Maruti SX4 Description :

India's largest passenger car manufacturer launched the new variant of its popular sedan model Maruti SX4 in India which meets latest BS IV emission norms. The newer version of Maruti SX4 is packed with newer generation BS IV compliant petrol engine. Maruti has also launched two variants of Maruti SX4 which is packed with the automatic transmission gearboxes. The newly launched variants of Maruti SX4 are much more stylish than its earlier variants and feature honey-comb front grille that makes its front appearance more aggressive. Some other newly added features that make Maruti SX4 more luxurious and stylish are its dual tone beige dash board, 10-spoke stylish light weight alloy wheels, and wooden finish panels. The exterior of this car is almost the same as its older version but the interiors of Maruti SX4 have been revamped with exciting new features. All variants of Maruti SX4 are priced in the range of Rs 6.68 lacs to Rs 8.35 lacs (as ex-showroom prices in New Delhi).

Available in 16V DOHC VVT engine, Maruti SX4 is extremely powerful in delivering higher power out-put of 104.68 Ps and a top torque of 145Nm with a displacement of 1586cc.

Maruti SX4 has always been a safe bet and a preferred choice among the long list of cars in its segment. Presently the New Maruti SX4 is available in five speed manual transmission and 4 speed automatic transmission (ZXI, ZXI Leather). The EPS type of steering wheel and the chassis of Maruti SX4 is believed to be very powerful. Style and comfort have been kept as the two important pre-requisites of Maruti SX4 while designing it. Coupled with this muscular body and very appealing dynamic exteriors, Maruti SX4 seems a popular car among Indian buyers. Moreover European design trends gives Maruti SX4 a sporty look which gives it a debutante look.

With a 16V DOHC VVT type engine, the Maruti SX4 possess four cylinders with 16 valves with a piston displacement of 1586cc. The car is capable of delivering a maximum power output of 104.68 PS at the rate of 5500rpm. Moreover the car can deliver a maximum torque of 145 Nm at the rate of 4100rpm. Maruti SX4 incorporates five speed manual transmission and 4 speed automatic gearbox. The car has front ventilated disc and drum type at the back. With a seating capacity of five people along with a 50 litres fuel tank capacity, this car is highly capacitive.

Maruti SX4 comes also with much-desirable comfort features like single zone auto AC, heater, climate control, front door and front back seat pockets, center room lamp etc.

Interiors of the car feature day/night rear view mirror, passenger vanity mirror, driver's ticket holder, accent rear and front door trims. The instrumental panel of the Maruti SX4 has added features like tachometer, speedometer with illumination control, switch illumination color, information display (temp, clock); other interior features include head light levelling, integrated stereo and a stereo remote.

Exterior of the Maruti SX4 includes tubeless tyres, alloy wheels, full wheel cover, body coloured bumpers, body coloured side moulding, body coloured outside door handle, high mount stop lamp, front fog lamps and rear fog lamps. Considering the safety of the car, airbags for the driver and front passenger, 3 point rear seats belt and two lamp belts, rear door of the car with child lock, front seat belts (height adjustable), side impact protection beam and iCATS have been added in Maruti SX4.

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

The upgraded Maruti SX4 is powered by a 1.6 litre, 16 Valve, DOHC, VVT engine that pumps out a max power of 104.68 PS at 5600 rpm and belts out a peak torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm. The car incorporates 5 speed manual gearbox and 4 speed automatic transmission that promises a memorable driving experience.

The company has loaded the powertrain of the Maruti SX4 with a new VVT technology that ensures increased fuel efficiency, more power and lower emissions. The VVT technology, variable valve timing, works for maximum use of fuel and power that in turn gives higher mileage. With all the innovative technologies, you can get a mileage of around 11.6 kmpl in the city and 15.6 kmpl on highways.

Power

The midsize car of Maruti Suzuki, Maruti SX4 is claimed to deliver more power and torque values with the 1.6 litre, 16 valve, DOHC, VVT powertrain. The engine lays out the highest power of 104.68 Ps at 5600 rpm and generates a top torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm. You can choose from a 5 speed manual gearbox variant or a 4 speed automatic transmission variant depending on your budget. The new Maruti SX4 is equipped with a new powetrain that meets new emission norms in the country and delivers more engine output. As mentioned in the previous section, VVT technology is responsible for providing enhanced power and agile acceleration. The technology also works for generating uninterrupted power.

Acceleration and Pick Up

As the sedan is loaded with a new engine, you can expect improved power and torque. The new Maruti SX4 features 1568cc, DOHC, 16 valve, VVT mill that produces a max power of 104.68 Ps at the rate of 5600 rpm and churns out a peak torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm, it is mated with 5 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed automatic gearbox.

The powerful engine enables the Maruti SX4 to touch 0-100 kmph mark in just 12.1 seconds with the top speed being 177 kmph.

Colors

Midnight Black Silky Silver Oyster Blue Clear Beige French Eclair Pearl Arctic White Azure Grey

Maruti SX4 Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

The most exciting midsize sedan of Maruti, Maruti SX4 is wrapped in body colour and each and every part of the car is designed with utmost care to give it a distinctive plus appealing look. Unlike other sedans, the Maruti SX4 does not have a long bonnet. In fact, it has a compact hood with bold nose that houses eye-catching headlights, honeycomb radiator grille, horizontal oval shape fog lamp cluster, an air intake and chrome finished Suzuki logo centrally located at the black matt shade grille. Interestingly, the wheel arches are larger in order to accommodate large and wide sized tyres of the car. The windscreen mirrors are very large and upright that ensure clear vision ahead when driving the car.

The Maruti SX4 comes with electronically powered ORVMs in body colour and body match bumpers. The waist line is perfect and looks funky upon the side skirts. The rear side of the sedan is also designed to complement the front view; it is dressed with compact windscreen and clear tail-lights. The trunk gate has a small opening but it can accommodate pretty big items. It is also fitted with high mount stop lamp.

Exterior Measurements

The Maruti SX4 is a mid-size sedan that has overall length of 4490mm, width 1735mm, height 1560mm for VXI and 1570mm for ZXI, front track 1500mm, rear track 1496mm and the wheelbase is 2500mm. The new car has a higher ground clearance that is 190mm for ZXI and 180mm for VXI.

Maruti SX4 Interiors

Interior Appearance

The interiors of the Maruti SX4 cast a spell on onlookers at first sight. Each feature has a distinctive design work. Let's start with its dashboard that has an integrated audio system, climate control, AC vents and instrument panel. The two tone dashboard houses glove box and dual info display for time and temperature. The instrument panel has variable illumination for clear readability. Illuminated key ring is also an added feature that allows locating the key hole in the dark. However, there is a lot of illumination inside the car such as driver, co-passenger and rear passenger cabin lights, centre room lamp: interior light that switches on when central locking is in the turn on mode. The steering wheel of Maruti SX4 has illuminated audio controls for easy visibility, the three spoke power steering wheel is tilt adjustable.

The Maruti SX4 comes with fabric material on the front and rear seats along with fabric accent front and rear door trims. The inside door handles and door locks have silver finish while the arm rests on door trims have a wood finish that enhances the interiors appearance.

Maruti SX4, hosts several other features like day/night rear view mirror, passenger vanity mirror, driver ticket holder, three assist grips, front door trim pockets, front and rear power windows, rear defogger, single zone AC and climate control, ashtray and cigarette lighter, glass antenna for clear reception, etc.

The Maruti SX4 is also available in Leather upholstery that covers steering wheel, all seats and leather accent front and rear door trims.

Interior Comfort

Maruti SX4 Seat Adjustments Control The number one car manufacturer of India, Maruti Suzuki has loaded the Maruti SX4 with a larger number of user friendly and comfort features to woo the Indian car lovers. If we leave aside the legroom in the second row of the sedan, everything in the car gets thumbs up whether it is dashboard entities or the overall interior job.

The dashboard of the Maruti SX4 has integrated audio system that comprises of CD/MP3/MAV, AM/FM tuner that provides you the luxury of listening to music when driving or in stand by mode. A USB port is also assembled to play your favorite numbers stored in your pen/flash drive or mobile phone. For the convenience of the driver, audio controls are mounted on the power steering that allows the driver to handle the car and at the same time control the audio system. The sedan-Maruti SX4-also comes with single zone AC and automatic climate control that keeps the inside temperature upto the required level. In addition to these, there are other comfort features in the car such as rear demister for clear vision in extreme weathers, illuminate key ring, tilt steering for Maruti SX4 Gearshift Knobcustomized driving positions, variable illumination in meters for better clarity, dual info display for time and temperature, internally adjustable ORVMs, both side front door pockets, both front seat back pockets, trunk room light, remote operated fuel tank lid and trunk lid, rear seat centre armrest, rear defogger, etc.

The Maruti SX4 comes with spacious cabin space in both the seat rows. Front seat row has headrests while the rear seat bench has only two headrests despite having a seating capacity for three passengers. All the seat rows have advanced seat belts.

Interior Measurement

The midsize sedan of the Maruti, Maruti SX4 can accommodate five passengers inside the cabin. The rear seat row is fixed with two head restraints. Both the seat rows have enough leg, hip, shoulder and head room. However, the rear seat row comes with a congested legroom and may trouble taller passengers. The driver seat is height adjustable. Rear and front head rests can also be adjusted.

Engine Capacity and Performance

The latest midsize Maruti SX4 is loaded with a revolutionary 1.6 Litre, 16V, DOHC, VVT powertrain that produces amazing power of 104.68 PS at 5600 rpm and belts out a top torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm. The engine is mated with 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic transmission that make the driving a fun experience with uninterrupted performance.

The newly added variable valve timing (VVT) technology in the mill of the Maruti SX4 helps to change the timing of the intake for continuous power generation that ensures maximum use of engine power. In other words, the new technology guarantees maximum fuel consumption, engine performance and lesser emissions thereby increasing acceleration. Now the powertrain of the Maruti SX4 conforms to BS-IV emission norms.

Wheels

The Maruti SX4 comes assembled with good looking and rigid wheels at each end that takes care of the whole machine when riding. The Maruti SX4 features different type wheels for VXI and ZXI variants, the former is fitted with 15 inch steel wheels with full cover while the latter has got 16 inch alloy wheels with ten spokes that add to the sporty look of the new horse. The specifications of both wheels, 15 and 16 inches, read: 195/65 R 15 (VXI) and 205/60 R 16 (ZXI). All the variants are blessed with tubeless type tyres which provide a hassle free journey without having to think about flat tyres.

Braking and Handling

The popular sedan is blessed with an array of advanced features that also include braking and suspension systems. The Maruti SX4 is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at front and drum brakes at rear which halts the car instantly even when brakes are applied at the last minute.

The Maruti SX4 comes featured with front independent suspension with gas filled McPherson strut and anti-roll bar and semi independent torsion beam type fork at rear with gas filled shock absorbers. These advanced shockers not only take care of smooth riding but also provide stability to the vehicle.

Handling and Safety

The Maruti SX4 is also gifted with the latest safety and security features that are responsible for preventing all sorts of contingencies. The features include driver and passenger airbags, child lock rear door, side impact protection beam, front door lock canceller, ABS/EBD, 3 point ELR front seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, front and rear fog lamps, 3 point rear seat belts and 2 point lap belt, height adjustable front seat belts and iCATS. The intelligent Computerized Anti-Theft system (iCATS) lets the driver start the engine only if the digital code matches with the pre-fixed secret code, thereby ensuring maximum safety.

The Maruti SX4 is available with higher ground clearance that is 190 mm, this higher ground clearance allows off-roading and wide tyres help to control the vehicle efficiently. The speed sensitive electric power steering makes your driving enjoyable and allows sharp cornering.

Stereo and Accessories

The affordable sedan of Maruti-Maruti SX4 - is now available with much needed and desirable audio system with good speakers and tweeters. The variants are gifted with CD/MP3/WMA, AM/FM tuner along with 2 speakers around each seat row and 2 tweeters in front door trims for an ultimate music experience. The car is also packed with a USB port that allows you to connect your phone device or other media to play your favorite tracks. The driving is made convenient and pleasurable, thanks to the audio controls on the steering wheel.

The appealing and semi-luxurious Maruti SX4 is available with manual AC, heater and single zone AC/automatic climate control in ZXI variant. The AC vents are integrated at dashboard that keep the inside atmosphere cool. Ashtray and cigarette lighter are provided too.

Maruti SX4 Pros :

Power cum performance, Sporty looks, dynamic design and style.

Maruti SX4 Cons :

Control at turns when at high speed, rear seat row is a little tighter.