New Maruti SX4

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 10/14 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.6L In-line 4, 102 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

1.6L M-Series petrol engine.
Choice of two variants.
Comes packed with more features at a lower price than its competitors.

Pros

Influenced by European styling.
Comfortable interiors.
Low running costs.

Cons

Option of a diesel engine would have bettered the competition.

Overview

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 is an A3 premium segment sedan that blends style, comfort, performance, and safety.

Launch of the Maruti SX4 coincides with the phasing-out of the Maruti Baleno, which was launched in 1999 and could not see great success. The SX4 is the second international offering from the house of Maruti, the first being the Swift. India is the first country to see the launch of the SX4, which proves India's worth as one of the hottest car-markets in the world.

The SX4 is being touted as the tallest, widest, and broadest sedan in its class. It is available in two variants, the Vxi and the Zxi. The SX4 boasts of various features which are available only in cars that cost about a lakh more as compared to it. That is why the SX4 is expected to give a tough competition to the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda City, and Hyundai Verna.

Both, the Vxi and the Zxi variants are available in a host of Metallic colours such as Silky Silver, Clear Beige, Midnight Black, Sunlight Copper, Pearl Arctic White, Supreme Red, and Azure Grey.

Powertrain & Performance

The SX4 Vxi and Zxi variants derive power from a contemporary and economical 1.6-litre M-Series petrol engine that delivers a generous 102 bhp of power @ 5,500 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4,200 rpm.

The Vxi as well as the Zxi are maneuvered by a highly responsive electronic power steering and are mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

Both the variants ride on independent gas-filled McPherson strut suspension with anti-roll bar in the front and semi-independent torsion beam suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers in the rear. These types of suspensions help the car sail over the uneven Indian roads offering the occupants of the SX4 with a silky ride.

Ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear provide sharp stopping power to the SX4 and minimize its stopping distance. The Zxi comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that makes your command of the car safe on highways.

A ground clearance of 180 mm and 190 mm endows the SX4 Vxi and Zxi respectively to be driven on all kinds of roads without the worry of its floor being damaged. With a turning radius of 5.3 metres, the SX4 can be driven, turned, or swerved in narrow lanes without any hitch.

The Vxi stands on 195/65 R15 tubeless tyres while the Zxi is propped on 205/60 R16 tubeless tyres. Fuel tank of both the variants can hold a maximum of 50 litres.

Build & Styling

Influenced by the latest European design trends, the SX4 boasts of a trapezium form, with wide treads and large wheels. Measuring 4,490 mm in length and 1,735 mm in width, the SX4 looks imposing. Arched fenders further add to its athletic and muscular stance. Its front fascia is dominated by a sporty boat-shaped grille and a headlamp cluster touching the bonnet. At the rear, the SX4 has got a large tail gate and rear bumper that improves its expediency.

Both the variants come with body-coloured bumpers, rear fog lamps, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, and a glass antenna. Some exterior features limited to the Zxi include front fog lamps and alloy wheels.

With a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm and a high roof-line, the SX4 offers roomy and comfortable interiors. It can seat up to five people and comes standard with fabric seats and power windows in the front and the rear. However, the Zxi is also available with the option of complete leather interiors that offers optimum comfort.

Some interior features common to both the variants are a heater, centre room lamp, twin map lights, remote operated fuel-tank lid, remote-operated trunk lid, rear seat centre armrest, adjustable head rests in the front and rear, and a rear defogger.

The Vxi comes with a manual air-conditioner while a single-zone auto air-conditioner maintains temperature in the Zxi. The Zxi is also equipped with a driver's seat height adjuster, a feature absent from the Vxi.

For safety of the driver and passengers, the Vxi as well as the Zxi feature seat-belts, child-lock rear doors, side impact protection beams, an intelligent Computerised Anti-Theft System (iCATS), and front door-lock canceller. iCATS is an engine immobiliser, which when fitted into an automobile prevents its engine from running unless the correct key is present.

However some safety features restricted to the Zxi are a driver's airbag, passenger airbag, 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiter, keyless entry, ABS, and Emergency Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

New Hyundai i10

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 15/19 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.1L iRDE Inline-4, 66 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Intelligent Responsive Drive Engine.
Wide range of colours.
Optional anti-lock braking system.

Pros

Elegant styling.
Spacious interiors.
Affordable family car.

Cons

Lack of adjustable headrests.

Overview

Hyundai Motor India Limited launches i10 under the PA code name in November 2007. Taking advantage of the demand for more small cars in the Indian auto industry, Hyundai rolled out i10 with a powerful engine and an upscale interior. It is one of India's most popular 'A' segment small car. It is built to take on sub-compact segment cars such as the Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo, Maruti Suzuki WagonR, and Tata Indica Xeta.

The well-equipped i10 is an affordable small car and a perfect combination of superior technology, roomy interiors, and the stamp of reliability. It was the most talked about car in small car segment before its launch and it is sure to gain the confidence of car enthusiasts with its aerodynamic design, array of standard convenience and comfort features, and luxurious fittings. It comes with all elements that would please a buyer looking for a small family car at an affordable price.

It is available in 4 variants: D-lite, Era, Magna, and Magna O. All these variants come with a 1.1-liter engine and are available in a wide range of colours. Magna O is a top-end variant. It comes with safety features like an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and airbags. It also comes with an optional sunroof with slide and tilt feature.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the hood, the i10 boasts of a 1.1-litre Inline-four Intelligent Responsive Drive Engine (iRDE) that churns out 66 bhp at 5,500 revs and 99 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. Hyundai's intelligent responsive technology strengthens and powers the engine to improve performance and mileage. The 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive that comes standard across all variants is quick and responsive. The i10 is designed with ventilated discs in the front and self-adjusting drums in the rear.

It is lively and handles well with its short wheelbase and turning radius that makes it ideal for swift maneuvers. The car shows minor body lean while cornering, so that is something to watch out for. The new i10 sports top class McPherson Strut suspension in the front and CTBA with coil springs in the rear that best suit Indian road conditions. It rolls on steel wheels with tubeless tyres to increase the level grip and comfort while negotiating slippery surfaces.

Build & Styling

The i10 is a wide and smartly designed small car that draws the attention of enthusiasts with its stylish and aerodynamic design. It is built and styled contemporarily similar to that of the Ford verve concept and the new Aveo U-VA. Its low slung grille flanked by the two large headlamps distinguishes the i10 design from its competitors in the segment.

The most impressive and stylish cues are the sharply raked windscreen and ellipsoidal glass that enhance the overall look of the i10. The interiors display luxurious fine fittings to provide unsurpassed comfort and the interior looks quite modern with dashboard integrated center console instead of conventional floor shift pattern.

Elegantly designed interiors are not only plush but also provide a luxurious feel. Dual Tone Beige Interior features 3-spoke steering wheel that makes handling easier and nimble. The design of the dash is impressive and appealing. All equipments including the instrument cluster, the AC, and the audio system have been fitted and placed properly on the console. Five persons can comfortably fit in its spacious interior. The seats are supportive and offer good comfort but the lack of adjustable headrests would slightly reduce the level of comfort on long drives. Standard interior features include an Electronic Trip-meter, an Electronic odometer, a low fuel warning lamp, an air conditioner with heater, and an internally adjustable ORVM. It is packed with safety features including child safety door locks, seatbelts, and crumple zones.

New Chevrolet Spark

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 13/18 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 1.0L S-TEC In-line 4, 63 bhp petrol
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions

Highlights

Handsome, sturdy, and solid good looks to give it an edge in the market.
The city-drivability of Spark is extremely comfortable due to its compact size, agility, and easy handling.
Accelerates from 0-100 kph in 14 seconds.

Pros

Roguishly striking design and easy-to-maneuver compact styling.
Siemens EMS to monitor emissions, which allow it to burn fuel more efficiently thereby giving a better mileage.
Large boot space of 170 litres.

Cons

Instrument pod is placed in the center of the dashboard, which might make it difficult for the driver.

Overview

GM launched Chevrolet Spark in India as a come-back vehicle to the long forgotten Matiz. GM is trying to grab a 10 percent share of the rapidly growing automobile market in India by 2010. Chevrolet Spark will be produced at GM's Halol factory near Baroda.

The automaker will also consider exporting the Spark, which is a version of the Daewoo Matiz, to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. India's small-car market makes up the lion's share of the country's market for passenger vehicles. The Spark has a more stylish and expensive look in comparison to its predecessor, so that it can compete in the small car segment in the country.

The Chevrolet Spark offers a host of features that combine with its handsome, sturdy, and solid good looks to give it an edge in the market. This Hatchback has a new and improved body design and all the space that you would want for your family.

The proposed compact car would compete in the same segment as that which is currently dominated by the Maruti Alto, Zen, Wagon R, Swift, Hyundai Santro, and Tata Indica.

Spark could very well be the next BIG story in the automobile industry as it tries to capture Indian hearts and Indian roads with its roguishly striking design and its easy-to-maneuver compact styling. Spark also brings with it the variety of color, so that your car remains different and one among the few. Available only in petrol versions, Spark allows you to choose from ten different colors: Galaxy White, Poly Silver, Teal Blue, White Gold, Ocean Blue, Peach Orange, Apple Green, Super Red, Jazz Blue, and Pearl Black.

Powertrain & Performance

The Chevrolet Spark comes in four variants: 1.0, 1.0 PS, 1.0 LS, and 1.0 LT all with 4 cylinders 1 litre (995 cc) petrol engines. All variants generate a power of 63 bhp at 5400 rpm and a torque of 90.3 Nm at 4200 rpm. This makes the Spark a definite improvement on the Matiz in with much more engine power and acceleration. All the engines have a 5-speed manual transmission.

The city-drivability of Spark is extremely comfortable due to its compact size, agility, and easy handling. It has a 4.6 wall-to-wall turning radius that may cause a problem during sharp turns, but its compact size will allow you to park in constrained spaces. The front McPherson struts suspension and the rear torsion beam axle suspension provide you with a smooth ride even on bumpy Indian roads. The Spark has a top speed of 155-157 kph and due to its heavy weight the car is steady even at high speeds. It can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 16 seconds.

It comes with a Siemens EMS to monitor emissions, which allows it to burn fuel more efficiently.

Build & Styling

The Spark measures 3495 mm in length, 1495 mm in width, and 1518 mm in height. It has a kerb weight of 850 Kg that ensures it steadiness during turns. It has a 2345 mm wheelbase. The headroom and legroom are spacious enough for four people to sit comfortably in.

The interior of the car is designed with the word "different" in mind. The instrument pod is placed in the center of the dashboard, above the console. This gives the entire interior of the car a new look. Through the steering wheel is placed a digital pod that comprises of all the warning signs. This innovative design is a true novelty of sorts even though it might be a tad impractical. The interior is designed as an attempt at having all the small luxuries that people usually only find in luxury cars. There are hooks to hang shopping bags, bottle and card holders, a sunglass case, and drawers under the front seats.

Spark has been designed to possess a rear suspension that along with a comfortable ride also gives you the option of a large boot space of 170 liters, which you can increase to 845 liters if you fold the rear seats. The boot provides a low loading platform and is protected by the boot lining from the upper part of the rear bumper.

In the event of a side impact, the car's central pillar protects the occupants making it safe for all passengers.

Spark's exterior has a very soft yet bold look. It has very smooth and prominent etches that define its hood in a blunt shaped V that makes the car look like it is smiling. The poached-egg-shaped headlights are prominently placed on either side of this hood. The front bumper and grill present a look of solidarity. The symbol of Chevrolet is centralized in the front of the hood.

Highlighted wheel arches and structured sides of the car divide it prominently, giving it a futuristic and streamlined appearance. The round rear lamp is distinctive and completes this car's overall attractive and purposeful looks.

Spark's top variant comes with power steering and remote adjustable rear view mirrors for the driver, and also electronically adjustable rear view mirrors for the co-driver. Some other features that you have the option to choose from are height-adjustable seats for driver, ABS brakes, airbags, child seat tether anchorage provisions, and alloy wheels.