Maruti Suzuki SX4 production stops, makes way for upcoming Ciaz

Maruti Suzuki has officially stopped production of the SX4 sedan to make way for the new Ciaz. The SX4 had been seeing poor sales in the last few months with less than 250 cars sold on average every month in 2014. Although the SX4 was available in petrol and diesel versions, the aging car could not keep up with the likes of newer cars like the Honda City and the Hyundai Verna.

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 was originally launched in 2007 and was offered with a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that made 102PS of peak power. Later, Maruti updated the same petrol engine using VVT (variable valve timing) technology and upped the power to 105PS. In 2010, Maruti Suzuki launched the factory fitted CNG version of the SX4 making it instantly popular to the likes of radio taxi and fleet operators who were looking for a large C-segment sedan that was easy to maintain, had a big boot and was frugal at the same time. In 2011, to add to the SX4’s appeal, Maruti introduced the popular 1.3-litre, turbocharged diesel, 4-cylinder engine that produced 90PS of peak power. The SX4’s diesel engine, also used in the likes of the Swift and Swift Dzire made higher power compared to the latter two due to the use of a variable geometry turbo.

Although the SX4 has never really done startling results and set the sales charts on fire, it has always been a capable and very practical car. The SX4 is also an excellent used car buy and early models can be found at prices that might surprise, especially considering the sheer size and adequate performance that it brings to the table. The new Maruti Suzuki Ciaz on the other hand will finally be in sync with what the Indian car buying audiences expect from a C-segment sedan. With its good looks and large proportions, we see the Ciaz, which will be available with both petrol and a diesel engine, to do well in the months to come.