Cashless Carnival

Maruti has launched the SX4, Baleno’s successor, today. The wide, tall and long SX4 appears to be a complete package with all the right features that will not only appeal to the buyers but also give Honda City the creeps.

The features that impressed me the most are:

• Dual Airbags and ABS - None of the models in this segment have Airbags
• Steering mounted audio controls
• Automatic climate control
• Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors - A brilliant feature, considering that the SX4 is the widest in the class
• 15″ wheels with 195/65 tyres - bigger wheels will avoide most of the potholes and the 65mm profile will ensure that the ride remains smooth

I haven’t driven or have had a look at the vehicle yet to comment on what could have been done better, but one feature that seems to be missing, that was present in the SX4’s predecessor, is the armrest for the driver. I fail to undersand why manufacturers find it so difficult to provide an armrest for the driver?

I had a feeling that Maruti would go the Honda city way and make the new model dull in terms of performance to boost up the mileage, but that does not appear to be the case. The SX4 has a 1600 cc engine that delivers 102 bhp @  5,500 rpm. The maximum torque is 15 Kg-m @ 4,200 rpm. The Baleno delivered 94 bhp and had a maximum torque of 13.4 Kg-m. OK, Keeping in mind that the SX4 is almost 210 kgs heavier than the Baleno, I still feel there will not be an obvious difference on the power front because of the high torque. Maruti claims that the top speed of the SX4 is 175 km/hr.

The SX4 tehnically looks distinctly superior than it’s competitors too.

I have a strong feeling that this vehicle will do extremely well. We’ve just got to wait and watch if the SX4 will be able to break the indian mindset that prevents people from spending 7-8 Lakhs on ‘a Maruti’.

Check out the Maruti SX4 website for pictures and more details on the SX4. You can download the e-brochure here.

SX4 vs the competition source: The Hindu