Finally decided on an SX4

 

I have been driving a Santro XO (2005 model) for exactly 6 years. Having driven about 60,600kms and due to increase in family members :) I decided to go in for a sedan this time. I had all my confusions about the Ford Fiesta, Verna fluidic, Tata manza, Toyota Etios and Suzuki SX4. I test drove all of them except the Toyota Etios. Here are my observations: (Please note these are my observations and I do not intend to generalize in any manner)

Manza:

Pros - Very good leg room, good interior design, good boot space.

Cons- The frame protruding into the boot did not appeal very well to me, engine pick up not too great, interior plastic quality.

Ford fiesta:

Pros - very good design, great storage inside, good boot space, very good features.

Cons - low ground clearance, rear leg room.

Hyundai Verna fluidic:

Pros - very good design, good interior storage space, comfortable seats.

Cons - low ground clearance, not too much of leg room, rear glass design very bad.

SX4:

pros - very good design, best driver comfort (I found good thigh support only in this brand as I am almost 6ft height), excellent ground clearance, tall boy design, stiff seats (good for people with poor backs) :)

cons - 'A' pillar(I guess I have to get used to it, interior storage space can be increased, glove box space also can be increased.

Exterior Very good design, highest ground clearance in sedan.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) I liked that the model has competitive features like - USB drive, electrically adjustable ORVMs, height adjustable seat, very comfortable seats. I did not like the glove box space and also the cup holders/intrerior cabin storage space. Boot space was good.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine performance on par with verna and ford. I knew I am not going to drive on the lines of a formula one driver in Bangalore traffic, fuel economy has been improved to atleast about 14-15kmpl, in the city (I need to verify this after my car arrives), gear shifting was also quite smooth.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality was very smooth, the A pillar is a drawback though. 

Final Words I decided on the SX4 as I was particular about - GC, AFSS, tall boy design, comfortable seats, value for my money. I had an initial confusion on petrol vs diesel - finally decided on petrol as my drive in the city was about 30kms per day and about 300kms on an average on the highway per month.

I had gone to the Sagar automobiles on Bannerghatta road and the sales executive was very polite, extremely patient in answering my repeated queries, all paper work done at my comfort, I was also able to bargain more dealer discounts. Most importantly they did not hurry me up in taking my decision instead helped me by asking me to take a test drive of the other brands as well ! I am proud that I have taken a decision of going with Maruti.

Areas of improvement I guess I can fill this in detail after my car arrives. For now I would say the A pillar design should be improved, glove box space improved and bring in the cooled feature into this, add on rear seat folding feature, driver and rest (for the left arm).

Style, ground clearance, driver comfort, features, value for moneyrear seat does not fold, little more leg room, more holders inside