The rocker called SX4 from Maruti Suzuki

Update: I've booked the car.

I just had to put a post on SX4. Touted to be one of the most important – and significant – releases in the recent years in India, SX4 is a rocker from the word go.

For starters – I’m referring to Maruti’s newly released saloon called SX4, which is said to be next version of Baleno. This is very significant in the Indian car industry since Maruti has always been perceived as a ‘low cost’ or low-end (A1 and A2 Segment) car manufacturer, despite being the market leader. They proved themselves in the upper A2 segment by releasing Swift. And SX4 is Maruti’s answer in the A3 segment, and I guess they got it damn right.


Image Courtesy: Autocar India

SX4’s release had been hyped up until now with occasional glimpses of this stylish piece in European car shows. But everyone was tight-lipped about its price, and that’s again where Maruti made the perfect move. SX4 has been priced well below market expectations. The automatic version of Suzuki’s SX4 had been running in Europe as a hatchback for sometime now. With SX4’s release in India, even before it hits the most competitive market in the world (US), Maruti and Suzuki have shown the importance of India as a car market. SX4, in India, comes with features that are generally present in cars that are 2 to 2.5 lacs higher.

The base price of SX4 comes at 7.03 lacs on road – according to the business quote I’ve got from a dealer in Chennai. It’s longer, taller, wider and, in my opinion, much better looking than all of Honda City, Hyundai Accent, Verna, Renault Logan, Chevrolet Aveo, Tata Indigo, Ford Fiesta, Fusion, and a host of other cars in the same category. Running costs are certainly going to be easy on the pocket – what with Maruti’s spares and mighty service network. What more, it comes with a rocker of an engine that generates 103BHP @ 5500 rpm. Compare that with Honda City that generates 77BHP @ 5500 rpm and priced about a lac higher than SX4, with lesser features. In my own test drive, SX4 is vintage Maruti in refinement, smoothness and noise control. I think they’ve got it all damn right. This is a great move by Maruti to fulfill the needs of long time Maruti owners who are looking to stick with Maruti for the value the cars bring along.

I had almost zeroed in on Renault Logan which fits exactly my budget (6 lacs), but SX4 is simply irresistible. I really wouldn’t bother to stretch myself if this car hadn’t been from Maruti, but now this is serious food for thought. Let’s see what’s in store.

For people like me (who’re planning to buy a car) 2007 has been an amazing year. Logan was one of the most important releases in the recent years. It doesn’t look as stylish as SX4, and is apparently not the last word in refinement and noise control, but Logan is one damn good buy, in my opinion, for under 6 lacs on-road. For people who can stretch a little bit, SX4 is a great deal. If I were asked to choose petrol cars in difference categories, this would be my list: Maruti Alto to start with, Hyundai Santro in the 3-4 lacs range (or Maruti Wagon-R if you want cheaper running cost – the only vehicle with company provided LPG option), Maruti Swift in 4-5 lacs range, Renault Logan in 6-7 lacs range (or Maruti Esteem if you are ok with the looks), Maruti SX4 in the 7-8 lacs range, Toyota Corolla in 10 lacs range, Honda Civic beyond that, and then straight on to Mercedes.

Technology and choices have come a long way in the 12 years – which is when I first started driving with the hand-geared old Premier Padmini. My love for driving hasn’t lost a single bit since then. Days now are really exciting and I can’t wait to floor the pedal of one of these beauties!

SX4 on road price in Chennai (with sun film):
Base specification: Carwale research.
VXi (AC + Tubeless tyres + Power steering + Power windows + Central locking) - 7.03 lacs
ZXi (VXi + ABS + Stereo + Air bags + Alloy wheels + Auto air conditioning) - 7.80 lacs
Leather (ZXi + Leather seats) - 8.20 lacs

Also Read: Renault Logan hits the C (A3) segment