The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is an A3 premium segment sedan that blends style, comfort, performance, and safety. The SX4 is being touted as the tallest, widest, and broadest sedan in its class. It is available in two variants, the Vxi and the Zxi. The SX4 boasts of various features which are available only in cars that cost about a lakh more as compared to it. Thus SX4 has a tough competition to the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda City, and Hyundai Verna.

At the rear, the tail-lamps dominate the stubby, nearly notch-back style boot lid. Reflectors integrated into the rear bumper and a third stop lamp offer additional safety. Large, electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors offer the driver a good perspective, but may be prone to damage in the crowded roads of Indian cities.The SX4s cabin has an airy, roomy feel despite the high shoulder line, thanks to the large glass area. The interior of the sedan has been a given dual-tone theme and though plastic panels abound, the quality of materials used and the finish is top-notch lending it a pleasing, user-friendly and premium feel.

Leather seats are optional in the top-end ZXi variant, but this trim-level comes with a neatly integrated in-dash music system as part of the standard package.Automatic air-conditioning with attractive matt-silver dials and steering-wheel-mounted controls for the music system are also part of standard fitment in the ZXi variant.To arm itself better for the fight with the Honda City, Maruti has chosen a number of comfort and safety features that will not be available in sedans currently available in the Rs 6-7 lakh price range.

SX4 is powered by 1586cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine with develops maximum power 102bhp at 5500rpm with maximum torque of 154Nm at 4200rpm. It takes a around 12 seconds to 100kph. The Vxi as well as the Zxi are maneuvered by a highly responsive electronic power steering and are mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

Both the variants ride on independent gas-filled McPherson strut suspension with anti-roll bar in the front and semi-independent torsion beam suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers in the rear. These types of suspensions help the car sail over the uneven Indian roads offering the occupants of the SX4 with a silky ride.

The SX4’s fuel economy is not poor but it’s nothing to write home about either. 9.3kpl in the city and 14.5kpl on the highway is nothing exceptional. When going from 0-100, the SX4 is a clear winner but in gear, it is a different story. This is because the SX4 seems to run out of steam at around 5,000rpm. The torque curve on the City is linear and crisper, which makes it very much drive-able in the city and is rapidly, the more refined engine.

However, the SX4 engages the driver in the punchy, strong mid-range i.e. between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. The gearboxes are. The SX4 steering leaves a lot to be desired. Over bumps and undulations, the steering gets skittish. In the city traffic, it feels just great to nip in and out of traffic and for parking, it is just wonderfully light. The SX4 leads on ground clearance.

Automatic air-conditioning with attractive matt-silver dials and steering-wheel-mounted controls for the music system are also part of standard fitment in the ZXi variant. The pair of brushed chrome strips that straddle the central console looks good and the chromed air con controls also look and function well. It is obvious there are a lot of bits carried over from the Swift on the insides as well, stuff like the steering wheel, power window buttons, air con vents, some switchgear and the gear stick.

High-end safety features such as anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, and dual front airbags will be available as standard only in the top-end ZXi variant. But other features such as adjustable tilt steering, variable instrument cluster illumination, tubeless tyres, in-dash digital time and temperature display, and rear glass-integrated antenna are standard features in both the trim levels. According to Maruti, its experience with the Swift has shown that there has been a consistent trend of buyer demand being bunched up only for the top-end variants of the premium hatch, which is also offered with an entry-level LXi trim.

Maruti believes that this will be the case with the SX4 too and is hence offering the Suzuki SX4 with only two trim levels. It will probably help Maruti to also price its new sedan more competitively when it is put head-to-head with the current segment leader.The suspension, safety and special features are suited for Indian conditions. The rigid body structure consists of a reinforced cabin structure nestled between front and rear crushable zones. The body structure will also facilitate good ride quality on poor conditions. For protection in side collisions, there are front and rear side door impact beams.

SX4 by all means is a a great car to own if somebody is looking for great power andcomfort of a big car. For sure, SX4 will be one of the best loved Indian cars in the coming days.