2014 Beijing Motor Show: Suzuki Alivio First Review

While there are a lot of offerings in mid-sized sedan segment, the Maruti Suzuki SX4 has been one of the more practical ones with its high ground clearance and acceptable interior room. It is fuel efficient and comes with the strong service backup from Maruti. But even so, it never sold well. The Suzuki Alivio which is a near production version of the Ciaz concept that was showcased earlier this year at the 2014 Auto Expo, will replace the SX4 in India.

The Alivio's styling is a lot more appealing than the slightly odd-ball looking SX4. The front end gets a bold look thanks to the chrome washed front grille that houses the Suzuki logo, large projector headlamps and huge air dams in the bumper. A sharp line running from the front wheel arches right up to the tail lamp gives the profile a muscular and brawny disposition. 

The Kizashi inspired rear of the car sports dual tail pipes and air-scoops integrated into the bumper. At 4,545mm long, the Alivio is marginally longer than the current SX4, which means that it might just be a little more generous in terms of space on the inside. The Alivio is 1475mm in height while the width pretty much remains the same as the SX4. Suzuki claims that the new design language is based on a ‘Sporty and Noble’ theme.

The car that was showcased had highly tinted windows which made it impossible to get a sneak peak of the interiors but one thing is certain, it will surely be a notch above the SX4. We can expect it to be equipped with button start/stop feature, climate control and rear AC vents, besides height adjustable driver's seat, a stereo system with Bluetooth telephony and a multi functional steering wheel. Driver and passenger side airbags up front and ABS brakes will come standard on the top of the line ZXI and ZDI trims as well.

Under the hood, the car will get the same 1.6-litre petrol unit as well as the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel mill that works force in the current SX4. Both these engines have been appreciated for their frugality and good drivability. The Alivio will be offered with a five-speed manual and an all new six-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki claims that the car has been tuned not just for driving pleasure, but for comfort as well.

Expected to be priced at around Rs 7-10 lakh, the Alivio will be pitched against the likes of the new Honda City, Hyundai Verna and the Volkswagen Vento. Despite being a smart offering, the SX4 never really set thesales charts on fire, mostly because of its uninspiring styling.It will be interesting to see the Suzuki Alivio with its new design language can change the fortunes of Maruti Suzuki in the upper C-segment sedan class.

The Suzuki Alivio is expected go on sale in India before the end of 2014 but it might be sold under the Ciaz nameplate.