Good Car, Great Value for Money and owners pride, neighbours envy!!!

I bought an SX4 ZXi (non-leather) version as I did not want to pay the extra 40,000 since one could get similar quality outside at a lower price. The vehicle has been with me for 14 days now and I have done about 350 km. I haven't checked the mileage yet, hence will not comment on it. Neither will I compare it with other cars as I feel that's been down quite a bit. This review is only my personal experience of driving an SX4 and how I feel as an owner (because it does turn heads on the road)...I used to own a Toyota Corolla in Canada and have driven the new Honda Civic and Ford Escape (SUV) there, so have bit of experience about other cars.

Let me start the review with

1) Looks - This car looks great from whatever angle you see it, personally I prefer the front view and it really gets noticed on the road for this. I can't tell you how many stares I have got of the "oh what a great looking car" kind. The suttle angles in the frame, the headlights, tail lights, everything kind of moulds into the overall shape of the car, making it an awesome looking vehicle.

2) Features - Well, to each his own. I went for the ZXi primarily for its safety features (ABS and Airbags). Airbags are standard in any car in North America and should be here too. But, the so called other better known brand names feel that we Indians do not need them at this price. There are other goodies like climate control, driver seat height adjustment (which is neat because of the added visibility), great boot space, decent interiors, steering mounted stereo controls to name a few. I am into music, and hence a better stereo system could have been a killer.

3) Ride quality and comfort - Well, this takes the cake. As a driver, I feel great while driving on the busy Bangalore roads, where you feel that every other vehicle is going to hit you. The height of the vehicle gives it an edge over speed-breakers as well as unwanted obstacles. The suspensions are good too and takes the rough with the smooth pretty well. I have checked with my passengers in the vehicle and they feel very comfortable inside. Pick-up is great, a wee bit too much for city driving and the overall balance of the vehicle is great. The only problem I have faced is the gear box (first and reverse are a bit tight), but have been promised that this will be rectified by the dealer. The leg-space is great too, as I have pretty long legs and getting in and out of the driver's seat is a cakewalk.

Cons: Rear visibility is bad, have scraped my rear bumper while reversing, hence a reversing indicator is a must buy. Music system could have been better and the rear seat and armrest could have been made a bit more fifth passenger friendly.

Overall, my association with this vehicle has been great so far and am enjoying every moment of driving it. The dealer (Pratham Motors) have been good so far as well and have had no hassles dealing with them. I would recommend this car to anyone with an eye for style and safety. This one is miles ahead of the competition!!!

Cheers and happy driving...

Great looks, good visibility, controls, safety features and ride comfortRear seat armrest a pain for third passenger, rear visibility is a problem