Overview:
Maruti – Suzuki still holds more than 50% of Indian car industry, but unlike 19th century it has been restricted to a small car leader in the 20th century. The advent of other majors like Honda, Toyota and GM has resulted in creation of new definition for mid size cars in Indian automotive industry. The already existing players like Tata, Hyundai and Ford has absorbed the changes and is coming out with competitive products like indigoXL, Verna and Fiesta. But the market leader have left the boat and restricted itself to small car. Now Maruti want to revive its fortune in this segment with its new Baleno – the SX4 sedan. SX4 is the critical product for Suzuki not only in India but also in US where it has lost its edge. Let’s have a look at the SX4 sedan exhibited in recently held Geneva Auto Show and Newyork Auto Show and how the SX4 will be carried to India.
Engine:
Maruti Suzuki is looking at a wide variety of engines for its SX4 sedan. For the new Baleno, the current Baleno’s all-aluminium 1.6-litre 94bhp engine may be used. However, it is also likely that the latest-generation 1.6L, VVT (Variable Valve Timing) motor which develops power of 107bhp will be used if the new Baleno is to compete with the Optra and even the Corolla. Suzuki may bring its international SX4 to India as well if it fits the 2-litre 143bhp petrol engine (Suzuki SX4 sedan will feature the same engine in US) which will make the new Baleno to compete Civic and Corolla. Coming to the diesel, Maruti may opt for the same 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine that is currently being offered with the Swift. A Suzuki version of Fiat’s 1.9 Multi-jet diesel will also be an option, Maruti will seriously consider but this would increase the price substantially and push the new Baleno into Octavia territory. With this wide variety of engines on the line (if offered) Maruti will target City, Fiesta, Aveo, Verna and much hyped Logan on one hand and saloons like Civic, Corolla, Optra, Elantra, Octavia and Mitsubishi Cedia on other hand.
Design and Comfort:
Exteriors:
While most of the mid segment cars are more or less equally powered, the deciding factor has become the styling and comfort. Suzuki has to position the SX4 sedan against popular stylish machines like Honda civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan’s Sentra (Nissan Sentra not available in India) in US and other markets. Hence Suzuki has to be different to stay competitive. SX4 is created by the same Suzuki team that won many awards all over the world with the Suzuki Swift. Success of swift lies in its sporty nature, Suzuki has chosen the same for its SX4 sedan. Suzuki’s design team claims SX4 will give performance in a stylish and head-turning package. Similar to Hyundai’s Verna SX4 too has shorter overhang making it a comprehensive package. The SX4 sedan has an aggressive and a sporty wedge shape front fascia and grille. New headlamp cluster creeping into the bonnet is an example of Suzuki’s contemporary styling. Its muscular and athletic stance is enhanced by its arched fenders, while the body features a low, rising waistline and large, triangular-shaped windows forward of the front doors to emphasize the car’s great traction and dynamic performance. From the back though the SX4 is not an eye catching design, larger tail gate and rear bumper will enhance its practicality. Shortly, exterior is elegant and dynamic.
Interiors:
The stylish design continues inside the SX4 sedan. Suzuki’s traditional high-roof design is effectively used to give a spacious interior. Unlike the now available esteem, SX4 sedan has wider door openings which provide the driver and passengers with superior ease of entry and egress, also the large cabin proportions and command seating position optimize visibility to enhance driving confidence and control. Suzuki claims SX4’s cabin design allows comfortable seating for five, with more overall interior space than the segment’s volume leaders. The SX4 sedan also features theater-style seating for the rear passengers which means rear seats are higher than the front seats and front and rear occupants enjoy a wide field of vision whilst the different height makes communication between the front and rear passengers easier. Looking at its dimensions SX4 may not be a wide body car but will offer a good space because of its taller nature. With legroom of 913mm and shoulder room of 1341mm at the rear, at least we can hope unlike swift which has bigger exterior dimensions which is not replicated in interiors (Swift loses to getz in interior space) SX4 will replicate its interiors.
For ride and handling..
The Swift won many awards for its responsive and very forgiving handling. Many features of the SX4 sedan are inherited from the Suzuki Swift, including aspects of the suspension and brake systems. Suspension- McPherson strut with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-sway bar at the front and torsion beam live axle with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-sway bar at the rear. Power steering and power brakes will be offered as standard to control 17” alloy wheels. As usual suspension and handling characteristics will be tweaked to suit Indian conditions.
Safety and Engineering:
Following the suspension, safety and special features will be suited for Indian conditions. It will not be tweaked as suspension special features and safety devices will be thrown away if it exceeds the Maruti’s pre-determined price. The rigid body structure consists of a reinforced cabin structure nestled between front and rear crushable zones. The rigid body structure will also facilate good ride quality on poor conditions (welcome character for Indian roads) Three-point seatbelts for all occupants and advanced safety features such as ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and dual SRS airbags are expected in higher variants. For protection in side collisions, there may be front and rear side door impact beams. As a security system, an immobiliser that reduces the risk of vehicle theft will be fitted.
Following are featured in SX4 sedan shown in Newyork auto show, Upholsteries and trim on Indian SX4 will depend on the determined price.
The rounded dashboard works with the high roofline to make the interior feel more spacious. A functional and high-tech center panel offers large, circular controls flanked by modern aluminum- colored trim (expect plastics in India). Instruments and controls are backlit by contemporary, high-tech red lighting, and the ergonomic design of the instrument cluster and dashboard provides clear views of the meters and easy access to the controls for a true driver-oriented cabin. The sporty cockpit theme extends throughout the cabin with a dark interior that features black cloth for a look that is both sharp and refined. The dials and controls are functionally laid out to provide convenience and ease of use. The audio system comes with chic night-time illumination. The automatic air-conditioning system of higher specified models has lights around the dials to make them easier to see in the dark.
Price:
SX4 is expected to hit the Indian roads by May. Depending on trim level, pricing is expected to be in the range of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7.5 lakh if SX4 is to match Logan, City and Fiesta. However, if Maruti wishes to enter the Saloon market the prices will be pushed northwards. Cheap spares, low running costs, easy servicing, good fuel economy and reasonably low price are the peculiar features of Maruti’s car. You can expect it in SX4 too
update: SX4 vs City vs Verna vs Fiesta vs Corolla technical specifications
source: The Hindu
