SX 4 ZXI - My Impressions

I Test drove the SX4 top end version yesterday.

Very good service and knowledge displayed by exec - Pratham Motors - Outer Ring Road, Bangalore - Mr Raj.

Points:
1. There was only one test drive car available.
2. Condition of car was just ok - been battered about by other test drivers and was quite dirty with about 10-15 mosquitoes sitting inside.
3.There was a broken mudflap inside the boot - possibly owing to mistreatment by someone.

Drive Impressions:
Lovely responsive car. Powerful free revving engine,Great acceleration, Lovely gearing, clicky, sports car -like gear box. extremely easy and responsive steering. One doesnt feel the size of the vehicle and indeed, feels safe and secure since one sits at a higher level than many other cars on the road. One doesnt get agitated if one is swerving a bit, chicaning (in case one is trying to avoid a human or an animal who suddenly appears on the road.), because this car sticks to the road very well. Extremely comfortable car with Climate control and seat adjuster etc. I found the front quarter glass a huge help to observe motorbikes, cyclists and other denizens of our roads. Big rear view mirrors helped a great deal too. Pretty easy to reverse into position using the mirrors only, like one is actually supposed to do. This car performs well on rutted roads or potholed roads too like the one leading upto the dealer establishment - one has to be a bit careful to save the vehicle, but since the ground clearance is more or less as much as a Scorpio (claimed), there is no real issue.


Equipment:
Superb 205 size tyres on 16 inch alloys - absolutely lovely while cornering and while taking U Turns. Car sits tight and doesnt make you roll around inside. Feels secure and safe. Braking is superb with ABS/EBD. Of course the airbags are an added advantage.

Toys inside are nice and functional. Electric ORVMs, Very good quality in dash CD/MP3 with 2 speakers mounted on the front doors and 2 at the rear. Decent sound quality, clear and crisp mid and hi-notes - decent bass feel without the vicious super bass thump which I cant stand anyway. Good feature - steering controlled music system. All the AC and other dials are within easy reach and minimum fuss - easy to operate.

Comfort and Interiors:
Seats are nice and firm and grip the driver/ passenger very well. Comfortable car - excellent in the front seat. A bit of a squeeze at the back since I am 6.2 tall with long legs and I had earlier been driving the car, so the front seat was pushed right back. My wife, who is of average 5.5 height found the back comfy and was not thrown about while I was driving and cornering. It is a big help to have the rear head rests - especially for long drives. Very easy to ingress and egress, especially for older people past their '60's, nice wide opening doors so one doesnt have to cramp up and exit the vehicle. Seat height adjusters are a definite PLUS especially for older people or even for vertically challenged people.

Nice little aesthetic touches like silver painted dial edges, boot ring on gear lever and other little things. Lovely chunky steering wheel - feels sporty and nice to hold (I have large hands).

FE:
Fuel Efficiency claim is 9 to 10 kmpl in city, going up to 14- 16 on highways while being driven at optimum speed. - SOunds possible to me.

Overall:
All in all, I think this car is a FIRST CLASS DRIVER's / Enthusiast's car. A very good option if one is considering a Hyundai Verna Petrol or a Honda City. Very good value from Maruti as always, backed up by very good technology and of course, the great service network.

Full marks according to me, to SUZUKI SX4 because there is something for everyone in this car! If I were in the market for a car, I would seriously put cash down for the ZXI Model. Pricing is a bit high at 8 lacs plus but in its class, very good value when comparing with
Honda, Hyundai and in my mind, even the Corolla.

I would not consider the VXI or others because for one thing, I dont like the smaller tyres (195 size) on 15 inch regular rims). This fact unfortunately knocks a full 10mm off the ground clearance which is one of the good points on the ZXI car, for India.

The only sad fact is that there is no Diesel version yet and the man at the shop informed me that because of the Swift Dzire launch in both Petrol and Diesel, Maruti is still thinking about introducing a Diesel SX4. No idea about whether they will do so or not.