Overview:
Maruti – Suzuki still holds more than 50% of Indian car industry, but unlike 19th century it has been restricted to a small car leader in the 20th century. The advent of other majors like Honda, Toyota and GM has resulted in creation of new definition for mid size cars in Indian automotive industry. The already existing players like Tata, Hyundai and Ford has absorbed the changes and is coming out with competitive products like indigoXL, Verna and Fiesta. But the market leader have left the boat and restricted itself to small car. Now Maruti want to revive its fortune in this segment with its new Baleno – the SX4 sedan. SX4 is the critical product for Suzuki not only in India but also in US where it has lost its edge. Let’s have a look at the SX4 sedan exhibited in recently held Geneva Auto Show and Newyork Auto Show and how the SX4 will be carried to India.
Engine:
Maruti Suzuki is looking at a wide variety of engines for its SX4 sedan. For the new Baleno, the current Baleno’s all-aluminium 1.6-litre 94bhp engine may be used. However, it is also likely that the latest-generation 1.6L, VVT (Variable Valve Timing) motor which develops power of 107bhp will be used if the new Baleno is to compete with the Optra and even the Corolla. Suzuki may bring its international SX4 to India as well if it fits the 2-litre 143bhp petrol engine (Suzuki SX4 sedan will feature the same engine in US) which will make the new Baleno to compete Civic and Corolla. Coming to the diesel, Maruti may opt for the same 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine that is currently being offered with the Swift. A Suzuki version of Fiat’s 1.9 Multi-jet diesel will also be an option, Maruti will seriously consider but this would increase the price substantially and push the new Baleno into Octavia territory. With this wide variety of engines on the line (if offered) Maruti will target City, Fiesta, Aveo, Verna and much hyped Logan on one hand and saloons like Civic, Corolla, Optra, Elantra, Octavia and Mitsubishi Cedia on other hand.
Design and Comfort:
Exteriors:
While most of the mid segment cars are more or less equally powered, the deciding factor has become the styling and comfort. Suzuki has to position the SX4 sedan against popular stylish machines like Honda civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan’s Sentra (Nissan Sentra not available in India) in US and other markets. Hence Suzuki has to be different to stay competitive. SX4 is created by the same Suzuki team that won many awards all over the world with the Suzuki Swift. Success of swift lies in its sporty nature, Suzuki has chosen the same for its SX4 sedan. Suzuki’s design team claims SX4 will give performance in a stylish and head-turning package. Similar to Hyundai’s Verna SX4 too has shorter overhang making it a comprehensive package. The SX4 sedan has an aggressive and a sporty wedge shape front fascia and grille. New headlamp cluster creeping into the bonnet is an example of Suzuki’s contemporary styling. Its muscular and athletic stance is enhanced by its arched fenders, while the body features a low, rising waistline and large, triangular-shaped windows forward of the front doors to emphasize the car’s great traction and dynamic performance. From the back though the SX4 is not an eye catching design, larger tail gate and rear bumper will enhance its practicality. Shortly, exterior is elegant and dynamic.
Interiors:
The stylish design continues inside the SX4 sedan. Suzuki’s traditional high-roof design is effectively used to give a spacious interior. Unlike the now available esteem, SX4 sedan has wider door openings which provide the driver and passengers with superior ease of entry and egress, also the large cabin proportions and command seating position optimize visibility to enhance driving confidence and control. Suzuki claims SX4’s cabin design allows comfortable seating for five, with more overall interior space than the segment’s volume leaders. The SX4 sedan also features theater-style seating for the rear passengers which means rear seats are higher than the front seats and front and rear occupants enjoy a wide field of vision whilst the different height makes communication between the front and rear passengers easier. Looking at its dimensions SX4 may not be a wide body car but will offer a good space because of its taller nature. With legroom of 913mm and shoulder room of 1341mm at the rear, at least we can hope unlike swift which has bigger exterior dimensions which is not replicated in interiors (Swift loses to getz in interior space) SX4 will replicate its interiors.
For ride and handling..
The Swift won many awards for its responsive and very forgiving handling. Many features of the SX4 sedan are inherited from the Suzuki Swift, including aspects of the suspension and brake systems. Suspension- McPherson strut with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-sway bar at the front and torsion beam live axle with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-sway bar at the rear. Power steering and power brakes will be offered as standard to control 17” alloy wheels. As usual suspension and handling characteristics will be tweaked to suit Indian conditions.
Safety and Engineering:
Following the suspension, safety and special features will be suited for Indian conditions. It will not be tweaked as suspension special features and safety devices will be thrown away if it exceeds the Maruti’s pre-determined price. The rigid body structure consists of a reinforced cabin structure nestled between front and rear crushable zones. The rigid body structure will also facilate good ride quality on poor conditions (welcome character for Indian roads) Three-point seatbelts for all occupants and advanced safety features such as ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and dual SRS airbags are expected in higher variants. For protection in side collisions, there may be front and rear side door impact beams. As a security system, an immobiliser that reduces the risk of vehicle theft will be fitted.
Following are featured in SX4 sedan shown in Newyork auto show, Upholsteries and trim on Indian SX4 will depend on the determined price.
The rounded dashboard works with the high roofline to make the interior feel more spacious. A functional and high-tech center panel offers large, circular controls flanked by modern aluminum- colored trim (expect plastics in India). Instruments and controls are backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting, and the ergonomic design of the instrument cluster and dashboard provides clear views of the meters and easy access to the controls for a true driver-oriented cabin. The sporty cockpit theme extends throughout the cabin with a dark interior that features black cloth for a look that is both sharp and refined. The dials and controls are functionally laid out to provide convenience and ease of use. The audio system comes with chic night-time illumination. The automatic air-conditioning system of higher specified models has lights around the dials to make them easier to see in the dark.
Price:
SX4 is expected to hit the Indian roads by May. Depending on trim level, pricing is expected to be in the range of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh if SX4 is to match Logan, City and Fiesta. However, if Maruti wishes to enter the Saloon market the prices will be pushed northwards. Cheap spares, low running costs, easy servicing, good fuel economy and reasonably low price are the peculiar features of Maruti’s car. You can expect it in SX4 too
update: SX4 vs City vs Verna vs Fiesta vs Corolla technical specifications
source: The Hindu
WOW this is really gud when can I expect a launch of this car and also can u get some better pics of the interiors .Man I really think this is one beautiful car!
i like the shape this car
Love the shape of this car, and if it is anything of what i have read it will cut the competition. waiting for the launch, please advice date
I have a owner of Maruti Cars ie M-800 and Alto, apart from my Indica and Ford Ikon. These are very affordable cars, practical and easy to maintain
The car looks awesome!!…. but maruti will have to keep up its image of being a peoples car….. to keep up da sales charts….
cool features with nice segment
LOOKS GREAT………………
want to know the specifications…..
The SX4 sedan, the latest car from the Suzuki stable, will be launched first in India and then in Europe and Japan. Senior Suzuki officials said to the ‘Telegraph’ newspaper the car will carry a price tag in the range of Rs 6.5-7.5 lakh, and analysts said the company was aiming to sell about a lakh of SX4s. The car belongs to the upper A3 or the family sedan segment. It has an integrated music system, auto climate control, adjustable steering and a glass antenna. The SX4 replaces the Baleno, which was phased out in December. Built on a new platform, the SX4 is fitted with the ‘next generation’ M series engine of Suzuki. Sources said the European version would also have this engine. They said the 1.6-litre engine has four valves and has 102 bhp of power.
Source:Telegraph India
Styling is good, fit n finish too, but the pricing, like maruti’s usual strategy, if launched with a huge price and then if planning to reduce means??????????????????///
Gishil
Guys,
The car will hit the showrooms on the 8th of May.. Just 2 days more. It will give all the cars a run for their money if priced competatively, cause I heard the top end model might even cross the 8Lakh figure.
This car looks awesome, waiting eagerly for the launch….think so 6.5 – 7.5 is worth it.
This is a awesomw vehicle with 1.6 litre Next generation M-seris engine having an output of 102 bhap and the torque is also gooad at 146 NM. With Tilt Steering , Integreated Music system with audio controls in the steering wheel, ABS with EBD, SRS dual air bags, Auto temp AC, Glass Antenna, Nice Five Spoke Macs with huge ground clearence it can compete with likes of corollas, Civics, on the other hand will leave behind the competition loke Verna, fiesta City ..etc. It will be the New Blockbuster on Indian roads provided right pricing and Mileage. Three Cheers for Maruti!!!!!!!!!
enough pictures…. iam off…to buy it now…..
Man I am pissed off. I just brought Honda city 2 months ago.I wasn’t knowing about maruti plans for Sedan.
Its a nice looking car…its awesome man…….am looking to buy it in future…can u plzz tell when it will b lauched ??
Excellent look….Seems to be very spacious…
My husband’s buying me this one!!!!
)
I am interested in purchasing this car.I want some details and its final date of launch n its final on roa price.
i was told about this car two months back when i enquired about baleno.looking forward to seeing this vehicle though i heard a lot from my friends yesterday.congratulations.
hai already i love suzuki vechile ,after seeing the suzuki SX4…i play to buy it can you say me the on road price details….
India was in despirate need of such a product thank u 4 maruti
giving us such a wonderful car…………..
Thanks for maruthi to launch such a very good vehicle.
it looks amazing…… performace better than Verna…..
looks better than any other cars including fiesta..
SX4 will rule the indian roads….
i booked it alredy……..Red color
The super high end model (Leather interiors) is priced around 7.24 lacs (as per the listed prices) and I saw it at a showroom the other day… it looks huge and the interiors are damn spacious. The shape is exactly like the Corolla with some minor detailing changes. But if it as it is said that the engine and handling are like that of the Swift then this SX4 is a steal. The Swift is a fun car and Maruti is reliable so there’s no reason SX4 should not run down the competition (just like Swift almost killed Xing and the tribe)… overall this car gets a 4/5 rating. If only Maruti would consider beige-wood-chrome interiors then this car would have got 5 on 5!!!
I can finally get a big car for my wedding that wouldn’t burn a hole in my purse!
SX4 looks real cool and coming from Maruti stable means dependable car. Does anybody have idea about what mileage SX4 gives?
good car
sorry diesel lovers! SX4 may not have its diesel sibling atleast in the near future. Export commitment may halt Maruti’s diesel drive.The Suzuki Powertrains India Limited(SPIL) production capacity is already not able to meet the growing demand. Also Maruti’s swift diesel has been received well. Both export commitment and Swift diesel’s success plays spoilsport for the SX4 diesel variant.
really awesome vehicle its the best that maruti has produced
Toyota plans to rival Honda city and Suzuki SX4 with its ‘vios’. Toyota is eyeing 10% market share by 2010 clearly the C-segment Vios and its new small car will make the way for toyota to achieve that. Toyota’s vios will come to india via CKD(Completely Knocked Down) route. The vios will hit our shores by the end of this year or early 2008. Toyota may also launch its next generation corolla this year.
Had attended the maruti suzuki launch party, the party was very good and the car was excellent. it is an intricately well done made of steel and for sure wil do well in the market, maruti suzuki has nothing to worry on this account. also took a test drive, moves like a feather, the music system is awesome and the steering control is excellent. the leg room and the high roof gives it a very grand look and makes the owner feellike a million bucks. this is a must buy for all the indian consimers, because the luxury or a sedan in this low a price is a jackpot!!
I am seriously looking to buy this car (wating for more market feedback). For sure I will not move out of Maruti as I have one attched with brand since 1995
* After receiving the good response from the customers for its SX4 sedan, Maruti is thinking to rise the price of SX4. Maruti earlier had done this with its swift. SX4 currently is priced Rs5000 less than Honda City and comes equipped with advanced features like leather seats,alloy wheels,fog lamps and safety features likw ABS,airbags and EBD.
* Honda will launch a refreshed ‘city’ and the new city will feature ABS and airbags. The VTEC engine may power the GXi version of city and the refreshed city may demand extra Rs20,000 from your wallet.
* Honda will roll out two cars from its new plant – a small car and and a all new city.
source:autocar
In fact i was about to purchase Honda City. Now i have option i.e. SX4………as Maruti service network is excellent and one can afford to buy Maruti product…….its cheaper in maintenance …..going with above comparison chart feel like going for SX4 for sure……since me using there two product already.
hello friends
just checked out the new sx4 its too good.amazing features at such reasonable price.i am looking forward to have a test drive of the car.
Hey guys, its an amazing car…i just bought it.
hey friends
Went and seen the car i liked the car and i have strong reasons to prove my point.1)the 190mm of ground clearance keeps you safe from speed breakers and water logging which are quite common and unavoidable.2)enough of leg room and head room gives you comfort while driving the car and solves the problem of people with a height of 6 or above.3)the cost of maintenance of maruti cars are much below any other cars. and above all the price of sx4 is something which any man can afford.
SX4 Buyers will enjoy… others will regret…
I bought it and am enjoying!!!
a very nice car i had a test drive its awsome nd dese other cars specially hyundai the copy cat dey should learn smthn instead of jst copying others………. AN awsome vehicle so much of power nd comfort……………………….
hi folks,
this car has been impressed on my first look and its features too, good competitor for city & fiesta .And i booked a car month ago , i eagerly waiting for the car to reach me.
Best to buy in suv class cars.
WHEN YOU ARE LAUNCH SX4 DIESEL.I AM WATING FOR SX4.
new look towards indian car segament
i want to express my view towards MARUTI SX4,IT is the most lively car in the own segament which have all the functions and features which all other car does’nt have but a small request of a small seggustion to MARUTI UDYOG LTD,
PLEASE RECTIFY YOUR UNVIEWED FEATURES IN SX4 LIKE
1.EXAUST OUTLET PIPE IS WAVEING / SHAKING.
2.FUEL FUMES COMES INSIDE THE CAR.
3.AVERAGE OF THE CAR IS VERY LESS.
4.DIGITAL SPEEDO METER DISPLAY LIKE ALL BIKES HAVE NOW DAYS.
THIS IS ALL ABOUT A SMALL RECTIFICATION.
THANKS AND REGARDS
DEEPAK SARKAR
It’s got bad proportions….
sx4 is a great car launched by maruti suzuki i must say suzuki has done a job well done by introducing sx4 and prooving that they tend to be the leaders in india.
great looks
very spacious(also for the person sitting behind0
powerfull engine
very good pickup
acceptable milage with such a perfect car
and an upper segment car
maruti suzuki has proved to say that now it is also the most stylish and affordable car maker.
sx4 is here to stay and beat honda city,aveo,fiesta and even optra.
This is a bull shit car. Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX that was launched in the the year 2000, This car was given to india with 100 PS of power and 137 NM Torque. This FIAT car easily beats 90% of the cars on indian roads. It took 8 years (from 2000 to 2007)for Maruti Suzuki to come out with a car that gives similar power. This gives an idea of how much this company lacks when it comes to car making on par with technology. More over, SX4 handling is no way close to how the Palio GTX handles. And if anyone in india didnt know, Palio was the car which didnt require any servicing for its mechanical parts for 2,50,000 Kilometers. Now thats some Engineering.
awesome:shape,handling,performance,and package.You are getting the best for a money of range 6.5 to 7.5 lakhs.
Automatic transmission and diesel versions should be made.
Kiran Namala
SX4 no doubt has a great sex appeal in its luks n stance n da amount of features n goodies it offers is amazin. Its huge size is a bonus. overall its da best bet fr da buck u pay.
However i jus dunno y a 102bhp 1.6ltr engine has only a slight more acceleration than an only 77bhp 1.5 ltr honda city engine when it shud hav just left it for a dead in a straight drag. Where is all that extra pwr disappearin ??!
sx4
Good Car
superb car
i took test drive it was amazing
i m buying this one next week
Maruti needs to wake up and smell the coffee,, its not like the old days when we dint have a choice in cars,,
They need fix their attitude problem and give customers what they need. (diesel engine in all cars)
Is matter of time, their bad judgments will come back to haunt them.
Maruti desparately needs to bring diesel engines.
If they launched the mini suv version of the sx4 (afterall its only a diff top)
they would shake the market up…ooooohhhh….
and a diesel in that one ….phew killer combination
beautiful for indian roads WAKE UP SUZUKI!!!!!!!!
DEEP DOWN INSIDE YOU KNOW YOU WILL MAKE A KILLING