Last year I had planned to go for a Ford Fiesta, but had to shelve the plans due to the economic downturn. This month we finally decided to go for a new car – an SX4. The car will be driven mostly by me and sometimes by my driver.When SX4 made itsÂ’ debut in 07, I was swept away completely by her looks, features and value offering. I did however promise myself to re-look at the SX4 once things settle down a bit.Around mid-December-09 I began the hunt for a new sedan, the SX4 was naturally at the top of my list. Amongst the newer cars, the Linea had also set my heart racing, so I took a test drive, but came back disappointed. (Linea owners – my objectives and their weights were possibly different – for what itsÂ’ worth, my vote for COTY went to Linea).
Cars Checked and Reviewed:
Tata Manza, Toyota innova, Mahindra Xylo, Mahindra Scorpio, Ford fiesta (Sports edition), Hyundai Accent, BMW.
The SX4 test-drive however was overwhelmingly positive, hence without any further hesitation our decision was done.
The specific parameters I was looking for in my next car were as follows:
1. Low Cost of Ownership : Cheap & widely available spares, good fuel economy and reliability.
2. Cabin Space : Let me just say this, largest cabin space over all the current sedan’s in the market.
3. Seats: I find the seats quite comfortable. I love side bolstering and the SX4 has a little bit of it. Also, the seats are softer then on the Palio and getting the ideal driving position is very easy unlike the Palio where it could take up-to a few weeks to find that perfect position!
4. Indianization : Turn-indicators on the right, bad-road compatibility (GC, alloys, tubeless tyres) and tolerance to harsh weather.
5. The seating position and the dash layout gives a MPV kinda feel from the inside. Maybe Maruti should think about replacing the Versa with a SX4 based small MPV
6. Engine Performance : I am not comfortable with the concept of a hatchback-engine in bed with a sedan.
7. Value for Money : Needless to explain.
8. I like the lighting of the instrument cluster and switches. Very neat!
9. City Drivability : I think I am around 25:75 on highway:city, hence, my new car needed to be easy to maneuver in City as well as comfortable on the highway.
I booked the SX4 Vxi on 31/10/2009 and got delivered on 6th November. booked khivraj motors, mount road, Chennai.
Reason for choosing SX4:
Wanted a car that can handle the city + highway + rough roads – hence a crossover sedan. We often drive to places (e.g. in the jungle or in the hills) that have dirt tracks. Could have looked at the Linea, the ANHC, Verna and the Scorpio SLE (within my current budget). DidnÂ’t even TD the other sedans because they wonÂ’t be able to handle the rough roads I am planning to throw at the car. And I didnÂ’t want to settle for a Scorpio when I have plans to buy the GV someday.
Wanted to mention that I was impressed by the SX4’s Raid de Himalayas participation and travelogues (especially Leh trips) – those threads helped me make up my mind.
Color:
My favorite color was black, but my dad loved the New Metallic Biege, since its hard to find rattles and scratches in this color and it looks like a family car.
Discounts/Freebies:
* 45000 consumer discount
* 10000 loyalty discount (my Grandfather and CEO of Khivraj were childhood friends)
* 5000 worth of accessories free which includes: Sun film, remote parking sensor, remote lock, body kit, undercover coating.
* Mats, flaps, perfume, idol etc. (standard)
The sales guy refused to write on the letterhead that he was going to give me the free accessories. I got him to write things down on a white piece of paper, but he refused to
sign it, saying that it was against Maruti policy. He requested me to trust him :-). Is this normal? :Shockked:
Planned extras:
* Plan to upgrade tyres at the earliest. Have been thinking of Michelin Pilot Primacy 225/55/16.
* Planning for a good DVD Mp3 player. considering Pioneer 6050UB and 6080UB, please suggest, which one to buy ?
* Nice and stylish alloy wheels, recently checked the alloys of kizashi in auto expo, looks superb, planning to put the same for my SX4.
* Leather seat covers, please suggest any good dealers in Chennai.
Financing:
HavenÂ’t closed this yet, but have a pre-approved 100% ex-showroom offer from HDFC. Last month end they were offering me flat 9.0% for a 5 year loan.
Odo reading at full tank: 15.
First Drive: The handling and ride-quality was excellent, the WE Highway has quite a few surprise craters, and I was able to dodge most, however the max speed I had set myself was 65, and barely crossed it during this drive. So this remains an open item pending evaluation until the running-in period is complete.
Had a long drive to Vellore, Yellagiri and Tiruvanamalai immediately after taking the delivery.
Highway drive: Absolutely trouble free, revv-happy after 1500 rpm, with excellent GC, you will feel like in total control. Had to maintain around 90-100 as it was in low miles
City drive: Initial gears are bit jerky, takes time to move forward in first gear, but once in 3rd gear moves swiftly
Gear shifting: Not very swift, especially to first gear and reverse. Otherwise it is fine
Fuel Efficiency: Before first service it was around 12.5 KM/L; after first service, highway 14.7 KM/L with 100% AC on. City 11.75 KM/L with 20% AC on. (tank full method)
Max speed: On the highway naturally achieved 120 KM, comfortably. I don’t think our highway conditions are good to try anything beyond that. Acceleration is really quick and within a short time it moves to 80.
Breaking: Excellent deceleration, the moment you take out your foot from the pedal, it decelerates very well. Shorter breaking distance is really good.
Music system: Very good, I am enjoying it.
Air Condition: Excellent and very effective
Rattles: Had a very minor rattle from front left side, as per service center, it is from the window pane and he fixed it and seems to be fine now.
Missing pieces:
* Low fuel warning
* Lights on window switches and steering mounted controls
* Information on FE and/or DTE
Overall, I am very happy with my SX4 and hope the same will continue for long.
Posting some of the PICS: