Maruti’s once popular mid-size sedan, the SX4 has been given a mid-life makeover. The cosmetic upgrades include restyled bumpers, a honeycomb grille, new tail-lights and some much needed side accoutrements. The exterior changes have certainly helped it mask its height, which used to make it stand out like sore thumb in company of other sedans.
But the changes are not just cosmetic. Thanks to the upcoming BS-IV norms, the SX4’s 1.6 litre unit now boasts of VVT (variable valve timing) which has nudged the power up to 105 PS and the torque to a meaty 145 Nm. The previous iteration of the SX4 was already popular for its potent and torquey mill. However, it was also known for its healthy appetite. The VVT should bring on marginal improvements in both.
Interestingly, Maruti has also launched an automatic variant of the SX4. Automatics have never really caught on in our country, thanks to the penalty they incur in terms of fuel-efficiency. Apart from the notable exception of Honda and Skoda, none of the manufacturers have offered cutting-edge automatic gearboxes in our market. Even the SX4 sports just a 4-speed unit, albeit with a overdrive button on the shifter for overtaking situations.
Though the SX4 might still find it hard to match the City, it can certainly aim to be the best of the rest.
Prices:
SX4 VXi MT Rs 7.60 lakh.
SX4 ZXi MT Rs 8.34 lakh.
SX4 ZXi (Leather) MT Rs 8.70 lakh.
SX4 ZXi AT Rs 9.04 lakh.
SX4 ZXi (Leather) AT Rs 9.41 lakh.
*All prices On-Road, Pune.
