Before starting the review, let me analyze few moves by the market leader in recent past. Maruti launched following models during past 6 months:
Five models with CNG options
Alto with K10 engine
A-Star with Automatic transmission
And today it has launched SX4 with Diesel heart.
Maruti Suzuki is doing exactly what a Market Leader is supposed to do in order to face fierce competition. It is using the potential of 1000 engineers sitting in its R&D office to make quick and yet substantial changes in the existing models. The frequency of these launches can also surprise the FMCG companies. (I can only imagine the mental state of the new entrants in Auto Industry).
I was lucky to test drive brand new SX4 Diesel on the day of its launch, so thought of sharing my experience on the very same day.
From the exterior looks, it is very much same SX4 diesel is very much similar to petrol sibling. The only way to distinguish a Diesel SX4 from Petrol SX4 is VDi/ZDi badge on the boot. Not many appreciate the exterior looks of SX4, but to put on records, it is the only tall boy deign available in Sedans. The muscular looks of SX4 impressed me and I guess diesel engine in Muscular bodied car should impress many more future customers too.
Even the interiors of the car are unchanged. Both SX4 Diesel and Petrol offers same feature pack across their three variants. The most amazing thing was the NVH levels inside a Diesel car. I was expecting some diesel clutter, but was welcomed by a silent cabin cabin. Kudos to great packaging that reduced the noise significantly. The kerb weight of the vehicle is increased by 55 kgs, so the suspensions were re-tuned to offer similar comfort to the passenger.
The engine is same (FIAT) 1.3L multijet engine, but is coupled to an all-new transmission. The same engine powers Fiat Lines, Fiat 500, Grande Punto 90hp and Tata Indigo Manza. Maruti calls is super-turbo engine and it comes with VGT (Variable geometry Turbocharger), which varies the angle of the vanes in order to provide the best possible airflow and efficiency. And for records: This car is also the first one in the country to conform to OBD-2 norms which are set to be introduced in India. OBD stands for ‘On Board Diagnostics’, which tell the driver if there is a problem with the car’s emission control system
The engine tuning is better than Linea or Manza. The engine produces 88.7 bhp@4000 rpm and 20.4 kgm@1750 rpm. The acceleration is quite high, and the car was firmly planted on the road at 130kmph. I felt that the car was perfectly under control at that speed. The max speed that I could touch on the track was 165 kmph, and I guess that is more than any customer would be expecting from SX4.
I compared the ride and handling of Diesel SX4 to Petrol SX4 and was disappointed by the results. The car looses grips in high speed cornering and the body roll is evident. Then I decided to compare with other Diesel cars in this segment and found that the ride and handling is pretty decent. The Rear suspension are soft, so it will give comfort to the passenger during straight stretches, but the body roll might create some trouble for him on curves.
Overall, it’s a good job done by team Maruti. Maruti Suzuki was already selling 1800~2000 SX4 every month. (this is quite good for any other car manufacturer). I feel that this Diesel car will eat some of the share of its Petrol sibling, but the overall sales figure should increase by 50~75%. Lets see how the market reacts to new diesel kid in the block.
Why Buy: Brand, Value for money, Good NVH, Good Engine Performance
Why Deny: Average Ride and Handling, Older Exterior looks (might disappoint some)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Maruti Suzuki Kizashi
A German Auto Analyst whom I met described Indian Auto Industry as most potent giant which is growing @ 14% annual growth rate. This huge auto market has been ruled by Maruti Suzuki for past two decades now. Maruti Suzuki conquers approximately 50% of the car market and it still managed to grow by 30% in 2010. This description by a German forced me think on Maruti’s performance in future. How long the market leader can sustain the 50% market share by making small hatches? When will they expand product portfolio by adding SUVs or Luxury sedans?
When bloggers like me were wondering over these questions, Engineers at Suzuki were working on something great. Engineers were instructed to craft a best machine where money was not a constraint. They worked hard and the result is out too.
Today Market leader announced “Something great is coming”. Maruti launched Kizashi (I am not sneezing….. It is pronounced as kee—zah—shee, meaning “Sign of good things to come” in Japanese.
Kizashi might not be an eye-turner on roads as far as exterior looks are concerned, but the build quality is very impressive. The front sports a large grille with a honeycomb mesh done up in a gun metal finish, the rear houses a neat inbuilt spoiler on the trunk lid and very neat triangle shaped dual exhaust holes. The neat lines give the car a nice wide sporty stance and the rear gels with the entire package well. The alloys gave a feeling of another BMW on road. To summarize, Kizashi has all styling elements present in a decent way. Henceforth, Kizashi can satisfy the needs of Niche people and create appeal in masses at the same time. The only disappointing news is that it will only be available in three colors (Black, white and silver) {I feel these three are the best colors for the car like this}
“Elegant” is the only word to describe the interiors of Kizashi. Rich Beige color hints towards the luxury offered by the car and perforated leather upholstery adds stars to this luxury. Utility Boxes in centre console and rear arm rest will open elegantly by a gentle push. 3D instrument cluster do the detailing job is a good way. Centre console comes down like a waterfall and it looks good too.
It will be tough time for people who always claim that in order to offer competitive prices. It comes with a neat in-car entertainment system, quality speakers, automatic climate control that is split for the front passenger and driver and it has rear air conditioning vents as well. In terms of features it overshadows the Honda Accord. Electrically adjustable seat with memory setting is offered to the driver and for Co-driver electric seats are introduced for the first time in this segment. It is needless to say that the seats are very comfortable.
Powering the Kizashi is a 2.4 liter petrol engine. It is J-Series (J24B) power plant from Suzuki which is capable of churning out 178PS at 6,500 rpm and generates 230Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated with 6-speed manual transmission. CVT option is also available. If one opts for the manual version the Kizashi is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 8 seconds. The engine was more powerful than me, as I lost my courage at 200 kmph. I was totally enthralled by the performance of the vehicle. Despite the large engine and the rocket like capability that this car possesses, it also answers to the Indian customers in terms of mileage. Fuel Efficiency of 12.5kmpl is quite good for a car in this segment
What I noticed about the Kizashi was its ability to take corners at a faster pace. This is a car that handles extremely well, holds its line without discomforting the passengers and at the same time it is a car that is capable of offering a great ride quality as well. Flat cornering, comfortable city ride, a very quiet cabin and yet responsive, nimble handling are all combined in the Kizashi. Suzuki says it’s because the chassis was designed first for stiffness, then added to for quietness, while the suspension was tuned to be as accommodating as possible while still preserving handling. However they got there, the end result is impressive, both on the street and on the track.
After analyzing the car, I could only say that “Nobody understands India like MSIL does and it shows in the tuning, features and set up of this product”. There is no doubt that Kizashi is a good product, but whether market will accept the fact that MSIL can make luxury cars or not has to be evaluated after seeing the market response.
Why Buy: Ride and Handling, Build Quality, Engine performance
Why Deny: Expensive, No Diesel Engine
When bloggers like me were wondering over these questions, Engineers at Suzuki were working on something great. Engineers were instructed to craft a best machine where money was not a constraint. They worked hard and the result is out too.
Today Market leader announced “Something great is coming”. Maruti launched Kizashi (I am not sneezing….. It is pronounced as kee—zah—shee, meaning “Sign of good things to come” in Japanese.
Kizashi might not be an eye-turner on roads as far as exterior looks are concerned, but the build quality is very impressive. The front sports a large grille with a honeycomb mesh done up in a gun metal finish, the rear houses a neat inbuilt spoiler on the trunk lid and very neat triangle shaped dual exhaust holes. The neat lines give the car a nice wide sporty stance and the rear gels with the entire package well. The alloys gave a feeling of another BMW on road. To summarize, Kizashi has all styling elements present in a decent way. Henceforth, Kizashi can satisfy the needs of Niche people and create appeal in masses at the same time. The only disappointing news is that it will only be available in three colors (Black, white and silver) {I feel these three are the best colors for the car like this}
“Elegant” is the only word to describe the interiors of Kizashi. Rich Beige color hints towards the luxury offered by the car and perforated leather upholstery adds stars to this luxury. Utility Boxes in centre console and rear arm rest will open elegantly by a gentle push. 3D instrument cluster do the detailing job is a good way. Centre console comes down like a waterfall and it looks good too.
It will be tough time for people who always claim that in order to offer competitive prices. It comes with a neat in-car entertainment system, quality speakers, automatic climate control that is split for the front passenger and driver and it has rear air conditioning vents as well. In terms of features it overshadows the Honda Accord. Electrically adjustable seat with memory setting is offered to the driver and for Co-driver electric seats are introduced for the first time in this segment. It is needless to say that the seats are very comfortable.
Powering the Kizashi is a 2.4 liter petrol engine. It is J-Series (J24B) power plant from Suzuki which is capable of churning out 178PS at 6,500 rpm and generates 230Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated with 6-speed manual transmission. CVT option is also available. If one opts for the manual version the Kizashi is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under 8 seconds. The engine was more powerful than me, as I lost my courage at 200 kmph. I was totally enthralled by the performance of the vehicle. Despite the large engine and the rocket like capability that this car possesses, it also answers to the Indian customers in terms of mileage. Fuel Efficiency of 12.5kmpl is quite good for a car in this segment
What I noticed about the Kizashi was its ability to take corners at a faster pace. This is a car that handles extremely well, holds its line without discomforting the passengers and at the same time it is a car that is capable of offering a great ride quality as well. Flat cornering, comfortable city ride, a very quiet cabin and yet responsive, nimble handling are all combined in the Kizashi. Suzuki says it’s because the chassis was designed first for stiffness, then added to for quietness, while the suspension was tuned to be as accommodating as possible while still preserving handling. However they got there, the end result is impressive, both on the street and on the track.
After analyzing the car, I could only say that “Nobody understands India like MSIL does and it shows in the tuning, features and set up of this product”. There is no doubt that Kizashi is a good product, but whether market will accept the fact that MSIL can make luxury cars or not has to be evaluated after seeing the market response.
Why Buy: Ride and Handling, Build Quality, Engine performance
Why Deny: Expensive, No Diesel Engine
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