Maruti launching SX4?

directinjection · 9th January 2007, 14:27

I came across this interesting news report about Maruti launching an all-new SUV to be priced between Rs. 9 to 12 lacs. The new SUV will be positioned between the Gypsy and the Grand Vitara. The report doesn't name the vehicle but I suspect it will be the SX4 co-developed by Suzuki and FIAT during their honeymoon days.

Maruti already has a license from FIAT for manufacturing JTD 1.9, the diesel engine that powers SX4 in Europe. Also, the new Baleno is based on the SX 4 platform. Already reports have appeared about the new Baleno possibly featuring the JTD 1.9.

Here's the link to the Business Standard report:

Companies & Industry=

theMAG · 9th January 2007, 14:56

The SX4 will be sweet if launched here. With the Swift, new Baleno and the SX4 sharing a common platform, Maruti could look to aggressively price the SX4 if they power it with the new Baleno's 1.6L engine as well. Internationally the SX4 comes with a 1.6L VVT petrol anyhow alongwith the 1.9L DDiS.

directinjection · 9th January 2007, 15:07

India being diesel territory, SX4 with the JTD 1.9 should be a runaway success. Yes, sharing the same platform and engine by various Maruti offerings would generate plenty of economies. Don't know though as to who would benefit from them - Maruti car buyers or Maruti shareholders! After all, these would be Maruti's top-end cars.

SX4 details are available here:

Suzuki SX4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

www.suzukisx4.com

CBlazer · 9th January 2007, 15:33

Would be nice to have the SX4 in India. It'll be a different kind of car. Probably can compare it to the Fusion? I don't think it will be accepted as an SUV though. It does have off-road capabilities. It is sold as a cross-over vehicle in the European markets.

Here's a review on the UK version of the SX4 -

Suzuki SX4 (06 on) Review - Parker's

abhibh · 9th January 2007, 15:34

Way to go Maruti.. SX4 is lovely...

GeekSrik · 9th January 2007, 15:39

The Sx4 is itself nothing but the new baleno.

directinjection · 9th January 2007, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeekSrik

The Sx4 is itself nothing but the new baleno.

SX4 is a hatch while the new Baleno is a three box sedan.
SX4 is available with 4-wheel drive but the new Baleno is not.

Haven't compared their specifications yet but there should be other difference as well:

Wheelbase: SX4 has a wheelbase of 2500 MM. New Baleno's should be lesser.
Ground clearance: SX4's must be higher, even for the 2-wheel drive version.
Wheel and tyre size: SX4's figures would be higher.
Gear Ratios. SX4's gearing should be lower.

Vid6639 · 9th January 2007, 16:10

They both are the same platform SX-4 or baleno. It's just like palio/petra or indica/indigo.

deepakhon · 9th January 2007, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by vid6639

They both are the same platform SX-4 or baleno. It's just like palio/petra or indica/indigo.

It's more like this:

Swift -> Palio
New Baleno -> Petra
SX4 (4wd) -> Nothing
Sx4 (2wd) -> Adventure (more or less).

I would love to have an SX4 sold in India.

CrAzY dRiVeR · 9th January 2007, 17:07

WOW!!!

Great news... Though the price shouldnt be 9-10L. Since, they baleno based on the SX4 will be out too, the pricing should only be .75L more than the baleno... About 8L would be a good price...

We'll have a better SUV to be used in the city mainly, without giving scares on highway runs...

Above 9L... Suzuki is no Honda... Into civic and corolla range with a 5 seater SUV is not going to be easy...

CBlazer · 10th January 2007, 10:42

@directinjection,

Here's a story that I had googled in 2005. The link still exists. The thought of a crossover car interested me and I followed the developments for a few months. I soon realised that this was the SX4.

Suzuki’s new model in India - Deccan Herald

What confuses me is why did Suzuki suddenly decide to launch a sedan version? Was it because of our love for "booted cars"? Or is Suzuki launching both the sedan and the hatch in India?

I'd love to get a scoop on the hatch plans ....

sgmuser · 10th January 2007, 11:31

Guys,
I proudly own a SX4 here (Brunei) and it took me less than 2 days to decided on it. Its surely a better choice available here in this price range (Brunei$21k equal to Rs.6lks). Its a 1.6 VVT Auto Petrol with ABS/EBD twin airbags, factory fitted MP3/WMA CD Player with 8 speakers. Just completed first service after 1k mileage. As an typical Indian auto mind, i have to say something about the fuel consumption rite? :-) its surely better than even my Santro '02 model in India. There is this fuel/mileage indicator which shows easily 16-19km/l average most of the time, esp when my wife maintains around 80kmph. Actually I wanted to get the 4WD 1.9JTD but unfortunately it is not available here. Size wise its quite taller than any sedan but surely shorter than Suzuki Vitara. Comfortably fits 5 ppl. The back seat is a bit higher than the front, so it feels very comfy when sitting in the back. Rear seats are 60:40 splittable/foldable, not flat though.
Initial opinion : its worth every penny, with all kinds of features like 16inch sport alloys, roof rails, nice audio system etc. Suzuki out side India, normally does a no nonsense job in terms of fit and finish! Comes with black/grey interior and black Nylon seats, not like the typical fabric which is a big relief for me! The car is made in Japan and not like Toyota Vios in this range which is a lousy 1.5l Thai make and a gas guzzler. More over you see 100s of Vios in the road and you do not feel proud of anymore owning it. But SX4 is a stunner and a head turner wherever i go.
My idea is to bring it back to india if it all i want it. As this is a 1.6l i can get some subsidy in Customs duty which will be max 70% for a min of one year old car.
I really afraid, this suv styled SX4 will not make it to India sooner. I heard and read somewhere that the salooner will be the first to make it to the Indian roads.
Cheers...

CBlazer · 10th January 2007, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgmuser

Guys,
80kmph. Actually I wanted to get the 4WD 1.9JTD but unfortunately it is not available here. Size wise its quite taller than any sedan but surely shorter than Suzuki Vitara. Comfortably fits 5 ppl. The back seat is a bit higher than the front, so it feels very comfy when sitting in the back. Rear seats are 60:40 splittable/foldable, not flat though.
Initial opinion : its worth every penny, with all kinds of features like feel proud of anymore owning it. But SX4 is a stunner and a head turner wherever i go.
My idea is to bring it back to india if it all i want it. As this is a 1.6l i can get some subsidy in Customs duty which will be max 70% for a min of one year old car.
I really afraid, this suv styled SX4 will not make it to India sooner. I heard and read somewhere that the salooner will be the first to make it to the Indian roads.
Cheers...

That's a nice review. Seems like a great car you have there! Also seems good on the mileage front.

I like to go out on long trips in my car so here's my favourite question - how large is the boot? You said the 4WD is not available - what about the 2WD 1.9JTD?

sgmuser · 10th January 2007, 15:55

CBlazer:
The boot is reasonably good. Check out the info below: comfortably fits 2 big and 2 small luggages. More than enough as its a hatchback...

Luggage Capacity (rear seats up): 270 litres VDA
Luggage Capacity (rear seats tumble folded): 625 litres VDA
Luggage Capacity (to roof, rear seats folded): 1,045 litres VDA

I didnt get any of the diesel versions here. Just one model 1.6glx being imported at the moment.

sgmuser · 11th January 2007, 08:27

Reg SX4 for India, I would be very surprised if it makes it to India in its hatch avatar. If at all they do it, I would accept then that Maruti is changing to be new age automobile company who wants to try new ideas and dare to experiment! Till today, i dont think they have any of these qualities...hmmm may be a little with Swift...but it is more because of Suzuki not Maruti.

I would like to see a 2l CRDI version of 4x4 SX4, with ABS/EBD, atleast twin airbags, alloys for not more than 8l otr. What do you people think!

9th January 2007, 14:27	#1
directinjection Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Faridabad/Delhi Posts: 1,703 Thanked: 780 Times	Maruti launching SX4? I came across this interesting news report about Maruti launching an all-new SUV to be priced between Rs. 9 to 12 lacs. The new SUV will be positioned between the Gypsy and the Grand Vitara. The report doesn't name the vehicle but I suspect it will be the SX4 co-developed by Suzuki and FIAT during their honeymoon days. Maruti already has a license from FIAT for manufacturing JTD 1.9, the diesel engine that powers SX4 in Europe. Also, the new Baleno is based on the SX 4 platform. Already reports have appeared about the new Baleno possibly featuring the JTD 1.9. Here's the link to the Business Standard report: Companies & Industry=
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 14:56	#2
theMAG Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Avon, CT Posts: 7,217 Thanked: 1,807 Times View My Garage	The SX4 will be sweet if launched here. With the Swift, new Baleno and the SX4 sharing a common platform, Maruti could look to aggressively price the SX4 if they power it with the new Baleno's 1.6L engine as well. Internationally the SX4 comes with a 1.6L VVT petrol anyhow alongwith the 1.9L DDiS.
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 15:07	#3
directinjection Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Faridabad/Delhi Posts: 1,703 Thanked: 780 Times	India being diesel territory, SX4 with the JTD 1.9 should be a runaway success. Yes, sharing the same platform and engine by various Maruti offerings would generate plenty of economies. Don't know though as to who would benefit from them - Maruti car buyers or Maruti shareholders! After all, these would be Maruti's top-end cars. SX4 details are available here: Suzuki SX4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia www.suzukisx4.com Last edited by directinjection : 9th January 2007 at 15:22.
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 15:33	#4
CBlazer BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 596 Thanked: 17 Times	Would be nice to have the SX4 in India. It'll be a different kind of car. Probably can compare it to the Fusion? I don't think it will be accepted as an SUV though. It does have off-road capabilities. It is sold as a cross-over vehicle in the European markets. Here's a review on the UK version of the SX4 - Suzuki SX4 (06 on) Review - Parker's
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 15:34	#5
abhibh Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Back in the HOOD near you! Posts: 2,768 Thanked: 39 Times	Way to go Maruti.. SX4 is lovely...
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 15:39	#6
GeekSrik Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,281 Thanked: 22 Times View My Garage	The Sx4 is itself nothing but the new baleno.
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 16:10	#8
Vid6639 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,727 Thanked: 43,454 Times View My Garage	They both are the same platform SX-4 or baleno. It's just like palio/petra or indica/indigo.
	() Thanks

9th January 2007, 17:07	#10
CrAzY dRiVeR Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangalore / TVM Posts: 17,174 Thanked: 73,461 Times View My Garage	WOW!!! Great news... Though the price shouldnt be 9-10L. Since, they baleno based on the SX4 will be out too, the pricing should only be .75L more than the baleno... About 8L would be a good price... We'll have a better SUV to be used in the city mainly, without giving scares on highway runs... Above 9L... Suzuki is no Honda... Into civic and corolla range with a 5 seater SUV is not going to be easy...
	() Thanks

10th January 2007, 10:42	#11
CBlazer BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 596 Thanked: 17 Times	@directinjection, Here's a story that I had googled in 2005. The link still exists. The thought of a crossover car interested me and I followed the developments for a few months. I soon realised that this was the SX4. Suzuki’s new model in India - Deccan Herald What confuses me is why did Suzuki suddenly decide to launch a sedan version? Was it because of our love for "booted cars"? Or is Suzuki launching both the sedan and the hatch in India? I'd love to get a scoop on the hatch plans ....
	() Thanks

10th January 2007, 11:31	#12
sgmuser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 751 Thanked: 1,119 Times View My Garage	Guys, I proudly own a SX4 here (Brunei) and it took me less than 2 days to decided on it. Its surely a better choice available here in this price range (Brunei$21k equal to Rs.6lks). Its a 1.6 VVT Auto Petrol with ABS/EBD twin airbags, factory fitted MP3/WMA CD Player with 8 speakers. Just completed first service after 1k mileage. As an typical Indian auto mind, i have to say something about the fuel consumption rite? :-) its surely better than even my Santro '02 model in India. There is this fuel/mileage indicator which shows easily 16-19km/l average most of the time, esp when my wife maintains around 80kmph. Actually I wanted to get the 4WD 1.9JTD but unfortunately it is not available here. Size wise its quite taller than any sedan but surely shorter than Suzuki Vitara. Comfortably fits 5 ppl. The back seat is a bit higher than the front, so it feels very comfy when sitting in the back. Rear seats are 60:40 splittable/foldable, not flat though. Initial opinion : its worth every penny, with all kinds of features like 16inch sport alloys, roof rails, nice audio system etc. Suzuki out side India, normally does a no nonsense job in terms of fit and finish! Comes with black/grey interior and black Nylon seats, not like the typical fabric which is a big relief for me! The car is made in Japan and not like Toyota Vios in this range which is a lousy 1.5l Thai make and a gas guzzler. More over you see 100s of Vios in the road and you do not feel proud of anymore owning it. But SX4 is a stunner and a head turner wherever i go. My idea is to bring it back to india if it all i want it. As this is a 1.6l i can get some subsidy in Customs duty which will be max 70% for a min of one year old car. I really afraid, this suv styled SX4 will not make it to India sooner. I heard and read somewhere that the salooner will be the first to make it to the Indian roads. Cheers...
	() Thanks

10th January 2007, 15:55	#14
sgmuser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 751 Thanked: 1,119 Times View My Garage	CBlazer: The boot is reasonably good. Check out the info below: comfortably fits 2 big and 2 small luggages. More than enough as its a hatchback... Luggage Capacity (rear seats up): 270 litres VDA Luggage Capacity (rear seats tumble folded): 625 litres VDA Luggage Capacity (to roof, rear seats folded): 1,045 litres VDA I didnt get any of the diesel versions here. Just one model 1.6glx being imported at the moment.
	() Thanks

11th January 2007, 08:27	#15
sgmuser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 751 Thanked: 1,119 Times View My Garage	Reg SX4 for India, I would be very surprised if it makes it to India in its hatch avatar. If at all they do it, I would accept then that Maruti is changing to be new age automobile company who wants to try new ideas and dare to experiment! Till today, i dont think they have any of these qualities...hmmm may be a little with Swift...but it is more because of Suzuki not Maruti. I would like to see a 2l CRDI version of 4x4 SX4, with ABS/EBD, atleast twin airbags, alloys for not more than 8l otr. What do you people think!
	() Thanks