The Suzuki SX4 – a large hatch based on the same platform as the Swift, but bigger and more spacious – got a tremendous response in international markets last year. Customers, magazines, even bystanders and jaywalkers loved that car. At the 2007 New York Show, its new cousin, the SX4 sedan made its debut, just a few days ago. What is most significant is that we know that the SX4 sedan will replace the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The launch is scheduled for the last week of this month.
While the built-in-Japan, American SX4 sedan will go on sale with a 2000cc, 16-valve, DOHC inline-four making 143 bhp and 18.7 kgm, we won't be getting that lucky. The Indian SX4 will receive a thoroughly reworked Baleno motor – 1600cc, 16-valve DOHC, inline-four motor making approximately 102 bhp. Which is roughly the average peak power for the segment. The American and Indian cars will both have five-speed manual transmissions, although there will be a generation's gap between them.
The SX4 chassis evolved from the sparkling Swift, so the SX4 sedan promises to be fun to drive as well. The Indian SX4s are likely to sport a 'rough road package' which translates to stronger components and the ability to take quite a bashing. Of the three trim levels expected to go on sale at the launch, the top-end model is likely to offer ABS and airbags as standard. 15-inch wheels is likely to be standard fitment although the top model could have 16-inchers. JK Tyres' excellent Vectra tyres are probably going to be the OEM fitment on the SX4.
The look of the SX4, according to Suzuki, was inspired by the Japanese kabuki masks. Which explains the aggressive front-end and grille. The Swift-ish rounded wedge shape is very evident and the car will be personable. It has all the right styling elements from the arched fenders to the low, rising waistline. The Americans will get a standard aero body kit complete with rear spoiler. It remains to be seen whether all of that will come to India as well.
On the inside, Suzuki has been careful to make the SX4 sedan an enjoyable car to live in. All the doors open wide, the cabin promises to be spacious and the tall seats should also make for a commanding driving position. Suzuki says the SX4 sedan has the largest overall interior space than its competitors in the US. Aluminium touches liven up an otherwise dark, but stylish interior.
The Indian SX4 will be launched with a price range extending from Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh. Which means it will have a host of cars as competition, right from the Chevrolet Aveo twins to the Ford Fiesta twins, and from the Mahindra Renault Logan 1.6 to the Hyundai Verna and Honda City. For the moment, the 1600cc petrol will be the sole engine, but we're optimistic about the SX4 getting a 1.3 multijet motor later on, in 90 or 104 bhp tune. It was time the Baleno was replaced, and we're quite happy to see the SX4 coming in its place.
source: bsmtring
