Not quiet there yet

i test drove the SX4 2 weeks ago. here is what i think

1. Engine is peppy and one can hear the sound in the cabin clearly. this is preference from person to person. I dont like it. But is good and powerfull (though not as fast as the verna VGT)
Handling is great. I drove it quiet rough just because of ABS etc etc. no complaints till 100 however you treat it. take it in potholes or do abrupt sharp turns or super hard breaking at high speeds. I was giving a honda city guy a hot time with the SX4 :)) could one can easily catch up with city and beat it. 

2. Music system sucks and big time. if you are ok with any kind of music output then fine. If you are the multi channel amplifier types and woofer types etc then its not even near. Am not comparing to any specific car. But mearly stating the facts as i saw many ppl saying music system is great etc.
3. ride comfort is good. the sitting was comfortable and the stering was nimble. i read about the reports of it being wobbly at high speed. Not so till 100 on bumpy and smooth roads.

4. Features - here is where maruti has been clever. giving minimal but making it look like huge amount.
Climate control is not digital (check swift). So its not actually what we all have in mind.
Steering control for music system is not so great. honestly, how much will it be used? but agreed it is a luxury. cannot be used to decide on the car though.
Safety features are clear winner! no excuse for other manufacturers not providing it!!
Storage space (not dicky) is awfull. can hardly keep stuff.
Back seat is indeed uncomfortable for middle person. but its sports appeal and not for 5 people use.
Price is not high and definitly value for money.

Here is what i summarise

1. Its a maruti trying to be a premium car. You cannot compare with premium segment it is comparing with. I am not saying honda city is best or anything but, the interiors are simply not classy. too much dull plastic, barely trimmings, the feel of the knobs etc not up to the mark (but good still).
2. If you want a very very good average car, then go for it. Else it cannot be compared with C segment cars like cith or verna.
3. Features are there but all are lacking except safety.
4. Power is good but cant beat verna. please do not compare other facts of verna with this car as that is not the point am making here.

All and all, its a good car. But end of it all, its a car that will give you the punch.

hope this helps.

Cheers
Ranjith