We recently reported that the Suzuki SX4 is being prepped with a new enigne that would meet BS IV emission norms. Well, it is here now. And what Maruti has on offer for Indians is a much better car that can take the battle closer to the segment leader Honda City. And there is an automatic SX4 to boot.

There is one thing to be said about Maruti Suzuki - they do not give up easily. Every time Maruti has tried to sell something in the mid-size segment, they have had to struggle. Whereas, bring in a Honda - any Honda - price it a lakh rupees above a similar car, and sales shoot up. Such is fate.

Maruti Suzuki announced that the diesel variant of Maruti SX4 and Ritz would be hitting Indian roads by mid-2010.

Seems Honda was miffed about a Suzuki SX4 ad that went on to compare the two cars, and claimed that the SX4 was a better car in several aspects. Honda is understandably proud of their futuristic new Honda City which has even made some Civic owners regret their decisions to purchase it. So how dare Maruti Suzuki claim the SX4 is better?