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 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
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. Model | City | EX-SHOWROOM
(Rs) | SX4
Zxi | Delhi | 618000 | SX4
Zxi | Delhi | 689000 | SX4
Zxi leather | Delhi | 724000 |
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