Maruti had launched Maruti SX4 in May 2007 to compete with the likes of Honda City which is the most popular and successful sedan in its segment. Maruti Suzuki was the first automobile company to introduce class leading premium features such as air-bags, steering-mounted audio controls, auto climate control, glass antennae and many others in an A3 segment car for customer benefit. The tradition continues in the new SX4 with the company bringing in advanced VVT technology, which has so far been used only in the luxury SUV, Suzuki Grand Vitara.
But Maruti SX4 could not compete with City's superior technology and brand image. At the time of launch SX4 has been very well recieved by indian customers, as it was a true value for money sedan which comes fully loaded with all the features at a very affordable price. But with the launch of 2009 model of Honda City, the sales of SX4 started to decline.
Now Maruti Suzuki India is back with new improved SX4 to make the deal better in comparison to Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo & Hyundai Verna. They have plonked new 1.6 VVT engine in SX4 so that it complies with the strict emission norms which will be in effect from April, 2011 in 11 cities in India. The new engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing 104 Bhp which is 2 Bhp up from previous 102 Bhp. Maruti has also given some cosmetic design upgrades to the exterior and interiors to make it look more muscular and smart in comparison to Fiat Linea and Honda City.
- Maruti is now planning to enter the D segment of cars with its newoffering Kizashi.
- Expected to be launched in the early 2010,
- the car is expected to compete with the likes of Honda Civic,Toyota Corrola,Skoda Octavia
- and the upcoming Volkswagen Jetta.
- The Kizashi concept car was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 and at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in 2008.
- Expected to be priced around Rs. 10 lakh,it will have many innovative features, and is likely to be powered by a 2 litre turbo diesel engine.
- Kizashi is also likely to have a six
- speed transmission and large 21 inch alloys.
- The car is likely to be produced at the company's Manesar facility in Haryana.
- Maruti Kizashi is expected to be the first all-wheel drive sedan in the luxury D segment.
- The car will carry an advanced four-valve turbo-fired two-litre petrol,
- Euro V engine, which will also be premiered at the same time.
- Kizashi is also likely to boast the first six-speed transmission from the Suzuki stable. A crossover sports sedan, Kizashi, which depicts an athlete in motion, is likely to sport 21” wheels.
- Maruti Kizashi is expected to roll out from its Manesar plant.
- Kizashi will be positioned in the Rs 10 lakh-plus price band and will compete with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla,Hyundai Sonata, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Jetta besides other cars that will debut in the next three years.
