Maruti Suzuki SX4 VDI

SX4 VDI Review

Maruti Suzuki India is known for producing small, compact and fuel efficient car. But besides small cars, the car line-up also comprises of sedans, one of which is the Maruti SX4. The car has been made available in both diesel and petrol engine options. So if you are searching for a diesel powered sedan, which is an ideal combination of power and style, then Maruti SX4 VDI could turn out to be a good choice. This one is the base diesel variant in the range and comes with immense comfort, style and power. The car variant will certainly impress you in numerous segments. The price tag attached to it is decent and not too much on the high side. Starting with the interiors, Maruti Sx4 VDI comes with an array of impressive comfort features. The lush and fine ambiance steals the show. The high quality upholstery for the seat is accompanied by proficient air cooling system with heater, power steering wheel, power windows and CD/MP3 player with AM/FM radio. Remote fuel lid and boot opener, cup holders, outside temperature display and electronic trip meter are also present here.  The awesome interiors are accompanied by dynamic technical specifications. Maruti SX4 VDI is powered by a commanding 1248cc 16V DOHC DDiS diesel motor, which produces a maximum power output of 88.8bhp along with 200Nm of maximum torque. The tried and tested 5-speed manual transmission makes the car deliver decent mileage figures of around 17.5 to 21.5 kmpl.

Exteriors

The exteriors of Maruti SX4 VDI are a perfect blend of style, sportiness and masculinity. The first thing that attracts you is the front facade, which has been accentuated with a  compact hood along with very attractive headlights accompanied by a radiator grille in honeycomb style structure.  The chrome finished Suzuki logo positioned centrally on the car makes the front profile much cleaner and tidier. The side profile has ORVMs dipped in body colour along with bold wheel arches and smooth lines that continue towards the rear end. The rear end of Maruti Suzuki Sx4 VDI has stylish and cool tail lights along with a wide wind screen. The sporty body coloured rear bumper with high mounted stop lamp complete the exteriors of the car with style. Being the base diesel variant, Maruti SX4 VDI doesn?t feature alloy wheels or fog lamps.

Interiors

Maruti SX4 VDI is blessed with a stunning and inspiring interior design that steals the entire show here. The dual-tone interiors together with beige dashboard fitted with an audio system boosts the front cabin's ambiance. The power steering wheel has been positioned consistently with the driver?s complete comfort, while the instrumental panel, AC vents and climate control have their appropriate locations . The dual information display for temperature and time along with glove box make the interior feel much more amplified. The instrumental panel has elucidation, which gives the passenger and the driver a very clear and readable view of figures on the display. In addition, the illuminated key ring is another best part that offers the driver to locate the key hole very easily in pitch dark.

Engine

Under the bonnet, Maruti SX4 VDI comes with a dynamic 1.3-litre, 16 valve DDiS diesel engine . This mill has a displacement of 1248cc and has the capacity to produce a peak power output of 88.8bhp at the rate of 4000 rpm along with 200Nm of maximum torque at the rate of 1750 rpm. The engine here has been mated with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, which helps the car to deliver some amazing mileage figures. On the heavy traffic city roads, the sedan manages to give out 17.5 kmpl of mileage, while on the smooth highways, 21.1 kmpl of fuel economy is delivered . As far as its pickup and acceleration is concerned, it is average. The car has a top speed of 174 kmph and is capable of touching the 100 kmph speed mark from zero in 17.1 seconds.

Braking and Handling

The braking and handling of Maruti Suzuki SX4 VDI is upright and not disappointing. The brake system of the SX4 VDI comprises of ventilated disc brakes for the front and drum brakes for the rear. Being the base diesel variant, the car variant doesn?t feature advanced features like ABS, EBD and BA. On the other hand, the handling of this car model is good, which is because of its superior suspension system . This consists of an independent suspension with gas filled McPherson strut & anti-roll bar for the front and semi independent torsion beam with gas filled shock absorbers for the rear. The power steering wheel further enhances the overall handling of the sedan .

Comfort Features

The comfort level of Maruti SX4 VDI is as inspiring as you would expect from a premium sedan. As SX4 VDI is a base diesel variant, Maruti Suzuki India has made sure that it features and sports all the basic comfort features, which make the ride for occupants comfortable and utterly delightful. The car model has been blessed with an array of comfort features, which ensure a very joyful and comfortable ride in SX4 VDI sedan. The car comes with very adept air conditioning system with heater with AC vents are suitably positioned. The power steering wheel guarantees smooth handling, while power windows for front and rear are present for the occupants? convenience . The front seats are adjustable, whereas for the rear, the headrests and centre arm rest are on duty. The rear seats are foldable, that assist in adding on more luggage space for long road trips with your family. Additionally, the Maruti SX4 VDI is also sprinkled with miscellaneous comfort features comprising of remote fuel lid and boot opener, large luggage storage compartment, rear reading lamp, front door pockets, tachometer, low fuel warning light, accessory power outlet, outside temperature display and more.

Safety features

Maruti SX4 VDI is the base diesel variant. Therefore, it comes with the basic safety features, which include strong brakes, a central locking system, seat belts for all occupants, power door locks, child safety door locks, anti-theft alarm system, seat belt warning, engine immobiliser, keyless entry and front and side impact beams.

Pros  

Good looks with premium interiors

Cons  

Lack of ABS, EBD and BA and airbags