Great Stlyle, high ground clearance,tubeless tyres,wide seats make SX4 a great car

It was the last week of Sept 2008 when I was exploring the market for a family sedan.The choices were Honda city,SX4,Verna, Fiesta and Aveo.Equipped with all technical data from carwale site like features,ground clearance,turning radius,mileage( that time this data used to be in the carwale site but now it appears to have been withdrawn) , I started test driving these motors.Lookwise , the SX4 imprssed me the most while the City was virtually noiseless with good interiors.While AVEO stood out on economy, the Verna's interiors were dashing.

Hailing from Kolkata, from the utility side , high ground clearance was topmost in my mind as Kolkatas famed monsoon can bewilder the best of cars. Potholes jump out of nowhere and so does those nasty speed breakers.SX4 was clearly a winner in this area and it helps a tall frame like mine(six feet and two inches) slip effortlessly in the drivers seat. Featurewise with built-in-glass antennae(Honda has those nasty ones sprouting up) much like the Chevrolet, all four speakers on the doors, integrated music system , immobiliser system I can vouch that at that price it was pretty attractive.

Two areas , that I cultivated apprehensions from users reviews were

a) In view of high rear end, it is difficult to monitor the rear through the rear view mirror and hence one should equip himself with rear sensors or even better a camera.

b) The frame holding the quarter glass in the front obstructs the drivers view while taking a right turn.

On the fuel economy I was prepared for lower mileage ( distance per litre of gas) as one has to trade fuel economy with driving pleasure.

While test driving I could see that it is clear to see the rear through the rear view mirror and all those funky camera things not really required.I have now been driving this car for the past six months without having any trouble while reversing.

The front side frame is a bit of a problem but not to the extent made out to be.

On the fuel economy, I am pleasantly surprised . I drive at least 30 KMs every day in Kolkata city and am clocking 11. 3 KMs per litre.The darting ability of this car is tremendous as I realise when I shoot out the moment traffic signal turns green and is indeed great for city driving too.

I have put on leather seat covers that makes the interiors look plush.The seats are wide ( like executive class comfort) with adequate leg space .The suspensions allow you to sleep over potholes and other irritants.The AC is powerful and add to that a great music system makes driving a pleasureable experience.

 

Great Style, MUV features like ground clearance,easily slipping into the seat and so on.sloppiness stlyling of dashboard top.