Maruti Suzuki SX4
₹ 7.47 Lakh Onwards
An excellent all rounder
Have an SX4 ZXI model since 2009 March. Driven over 50k kms from Ladakh J&k, Punjab, Himachal, UP, BIhar, Bengal, Orissa, Chattisgarh, MP & Maharashtra through snow, sand, slush, water, hills, forests, land slides, & yes on good roads too. Has never once let me down anywhere save for punctures which didn't bother much as one can keep filling air & driving. Got he entire front suspension including the steering rack changed recently under extended warranty, at no cost, thanks to Maruti & Machino Techno, Calcutta.
Average ride quality that becomes very good with speed on most surfaces. Torquey. Reasonably fast. Handling is very good. Steering sharp, balanced & precise. Ground clearance awesome, better than most SUVs & MUVs, ie, Scorpios & Innovas unless one starts considering the Dusters & XUVs & beyond. Roomy, comfy seats, average interiors, feature packed, good storage space, huge boot, huge tyres.
Rear view mirrors too big, big blind spot around right front pillar (the quarter glass is useless), rear visibility while backing up not good- needs getting used to. Head light beam not so good. Wipers bad. Best mileage till date 16.7kpl. Worst mileage 8.9kpl. Usually get around 11 but frankly I don't keep a rigorous log. Almost always drive with AC on.
An almost indestructible & most dependable car, take it from me. Has the best qualities of a sedan (comfort, stability) & of an SUV (rugged, go anywhere). Maruti should give this a 4x4.