Maruti Suzuki SX4 For?

"MEN ARE BACK" the tag line hits you in the face. Agreed, the SX4 looks macho and aggressive when viewed from some angles. Also agreed that it is perfect for a corporate meeting for that immaculately turned out guy, dressed in a suit, as shown in the print ad. A machine that looks fine, goes well and will impress your bosses when you step out of it. But - and it is a 'but' with a lot of stress on it - this car is more than just that. That's why my rugged garb - rag of a jeans, an unshaven look, hair in a mess and those nasty boots. Why you'd ask? I have an explanation. I want to prove a point here, that this car can be quite a rebel too, when asked from it. It is always game for some serious fun. It can instill that "boy-racer" feeling into anyone. And boy does this car deliver!

Well, first things first. On the outside, the car looks good, handsome even, from some angles. Nothing revolutionary, contemporary, but decent nevertheless. The SX4 has evolved from a cross-over and it hides nothing that shouts mini-SUV. The long overhang at the rear proves that the design has been derived from a hatch. The Honda City ZX, it's direct rival, looks futuristic. The cab forward design employed by Honda has its pluses and minuses. The space management is better than in the Baleno-replacing offering from Maruti and it feels more spacious. The boot on the City looks as if it is an add-on unit whereas Maruti, it is evident, worked hard on getting a harmony between the front and the rear of their latest. This said, the space in their behinds is equally matched, at 500 liters. The quarter glass up front on the SX4 is particularly helpful and is a nice touch to aid visibility all round, which even otherwise is good.

The fog lamps are ensconced in a black, cheap looking plastic surround. We would have liked a body coloured plastic envelope for the fogs, and no sir, we arenot being too choosy or critical. This car retails at the better side of eight lakh! So it better deliver, and deliver well at that. Come on Maruti, get your sleeve up on this! The grill looks a bit like that of the Indigo's, but this is purely my personal perception (criticism welcome). The swept-back headlamps (it somehow looks like a boomerang to me.. oops, there I go again!) are neatly integrated into the front fender and the bumper. The well defined wheel arches lend the car a 'masculine' look ("Men are back"...eh?). The quarter glass flows beautifully into the waistline. Large rear view mirrors come in handy and give a superb view of the vicinity. The SX4 is a tall car and it towers over the City when seen parked next to the Honda.

The latest from Maruti's factory is a club-sandwich affair here, with extra toppings. The interior is LOADED. The cosmic expanse of the dash looks good but does not reflect quality with the plastics having a cheap feel about them. The switches and the steering wheel have been lifted off the Swift and do not do justice to a car which is several notches above the hatch. Silver inserts on the facia look a bit odd and shiny. Wish it had a matt finish to it, that would've done wonders. The design of the dash is good, though the neatly integrated sound system is a bit hard to operate. This is where the steering mounted controls come in handy.

Very useful, predominantly for tall drivers who sit with seat reclined and pushed back. A super concept which more manufacturers should take to. Lest I forget, with two tall mates on board one behind another, the lack of legroom comes to the fore. Though the steering feel is only about adequate, it is pretty precise and direct. Even the slight inputs translate to instant direction changes. The air con dials are well finished and a delight to use. Tastefully executed dials add to the feel-good factor. Another feature that aids utility is the inclusion of bottle holders in all the door pockets. The car comes equipped like a US Warship. Automatically locking doors, Climate control, alloy wheels, MP3 sound system, tilt adjust steering, ABS, EBD, two airbags, trip computer, leather seats. Phew. A long list that! Honda City should be worried. Very worried.