Maruti launches SX4 sedan in the premium A3 segment

New Delhi: Indian passenger car market leader Maruti Udyog today launched the SX4 sedan, prior to its launch in Europe and Japan. Powered by the global M-series engine and built on a brand new platform, the SX4 will be manufactured at Maruti''s new plant at Manesar, inaugurated in February 2007 (See: Suzuki and Maruti inaugurate two-wheeler, fourth car plant in Manesar).

The sedan is the second global car to be launched in the Indian market, after the Swift, from Suzuki Motor Corporation, the parent company of Maruti Udyog. Last year Maruti had launched the WagonR Duo, Zen Estilo and Swift Diesel.

Speaking at the launch Jagdish Khattar, managing director and CEO, Maruti Udyog, said, "The SX4 sedan is just the right car with which Maruti Udyog can reinforce its presence in the A3 segment and enhance its leadership".

According to Khattar, the customers who bought compact Maruti cars four - five years ago, and also Esteem and Baleno customers, would now prefer the SX4 as the next upgrade option. "Besides, people who like to own a Maruti Suzuki car, but were considering moving to competitors because we did not offer an A3 segment car of their choice, will now choose the SX4 sedan," Khattar added.

The new sedan is fitted with an advanced M series engine. The M-series represents the future of Suzuki''s engine technology. It is designed to be compliant to Euro 4 and Euro 5 norms in future. Suzuki has developed this engine by picking up the best features of the engine series used so far in Suzuki vehicles and incorporating them in this latest series.

The 4-valve, 1.6-liter engine will produce a maximum power of 102 bhp @5500 rpm. The engine also has a high torque of 145Nm @4200 rpm, which makes driving comfortable.

According to Maruti, the SX4 sedan is the tallest, widest and the longest car in its class. It comes with the widest tyres, and a boot space of 505 liters. The ground clearance of the car is 102mm, the highest in the A3 segment.

SX4 sedan is equipped with features that impart aesthetics, status, convenience and safety. It offers a music system integrated with the dashboard, with audio control on the steering wheels. In addition, auto climate control system provides comfort and convenience. The antenna is embedded in the glass, further enhancing aesthetics of the car. An illuminated key insert and variable instrument illumination are among its other unique features.

The vehicle is sedan is available in two variants: Vxi and Zxi. In addition, Zxi comes with the option of a leather pack comprising leather seats, leather steering cover and leather door trims.

The "S" in "SX4" stands for Sport. "X" denotes RelaX. "4" denotes 4-seasons drive.

The SX4 sedan is fitted with safety features like ABS, EBD and Dual SRS airbags. It also has front and rear side door impact beams. Safety is enhanced through seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters, while the upright, theater seating in SX4 sedan provides better visibility.

The immobiliser, a state-of-the-art anti theft device, has also been installed in the SX4 sedan.

The localisation level of SX4 sedan is 79 per cent. Maruti''s engineers have contributed in making the car suitable for Indian conditions, especially in critical areas like suspension tuning, ground clearance, engine tuning and seat comfort. Interiors have been toned to the taste of Indian customers.

The SX4 Sedan is a significant model for Suzuki Motor Corporation as well, as the company evolves from being the leading mini carmaker in the world, to a complete carmaker.

Recent Suzuki cars, including the Swift and now the SX4, come with a more aggressive, curvy and bold design. The European design influence is clearly evident. This is a deliberate shift from the staid and straight lines, traditionally seen in Suzuki models.

Alongside the conscious shift in product design, Suzuki has taken other initiatives in its evolution, including entering the World Rally Championship.

It has also embarked on developing "global cars" like Swift and SX4 which, while exuding an international and contemporary feel, are tuned to domestic requirements of individual markets.

Price

The SX4 Sedan has been priced aggressively as an introductory offer.