One of the most-important and hugely-anticipated new cars of 2017, the all-new Maruti-Suzuki Dzire, was launched yesterday. Currently in it's third-generation, the Dzire has now ditched the Swift prefix and grown into an independent nameplate.
The petrol variants are priced between INR 5.45 Lakhs and 7.94 Lakhs for the manual and INR 6.76 Lakhs and 8.41 Lakhs for the automatic variants. Prices for the diesel range between INR 6.45 Lakhs and 8.94 Lakhs for the manual and INR 7.76 Lakhs and 9.41 Lakhs for the automatic variants.
Unlike the two previous iterations in which the Dzire was just a Swift with an ungainly boot added on, the third-generation model has been designed and developed as a sedan from scratch. That has worked out very well as the integration of the boot and the overall proportions have improved considerably, making the new Dzire a good-looking car. That's a statement we do not make often for compact sedans.
The fascia is similar to the upcoming new-generation Swift that recently went on sale globally. The swept-back headlamps and the profile of the new hexagonal grille are pretty much the same as the hatchback but the bumper and the chrome detailing are unique to the Dzire. The profile is where the Dzire really makes a mark with styling cues inspired by the lines in the Baleno and the Ciaz. You would also notice that the A-pillar itself has been redesigned to suit the characteristics of a sedan and isn't upright as it was before. The short and stubby boot doesn't look forced and has a Kizashi touch to it, something we can't complain about. As is the norm these days, a thick strip of chrome running across the bootlid adds bling.
The new Dzire is built on Suzuki's safer and lighter HEARTECT platform that also underpins the Baleno and the upcoming new Swift. As a result, the car is wider by 40mm, sits lower to the ground by 7mm and has a 20mm longer wheelbase.
Though the basic layout of the interiors are shared with the new Swift, Maruti-Suzuki has redesigned the center console and the air-conditioning vents to give the Dzire a distinct look and feel. The two-tone beige and black cabin gets shiny wooden inserts and bits of chrome for good measure. The leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel is all new and looks well-designed. The rear seat appear to be significantly more spacious and comfortable than the previous generation model, thanks to the increased wheelbase and features including rear air-conditoning vents and a center armrest with cup-holders.
The new Dzire has a standard safety pack with all variants coming with a driver and passenger airbag, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and seat belt pretensioners with force limiter.
Other features across the lineup include LED projector headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), precision-cut alloy wheels, automatic climate control, push Start/Stop button with smart keyless entry, automatic headlamps, one-touch up/down power window for the driver, electronic trunk opening and electrically-adjustable and retractable rear view mirrors. Like all recent Maruti-Suzukis, the new Dzire also gets the SmartPlay infotainment system with inbuilt Navigation and Voice Command. The touchscreen unit is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, offering a host of connectivity options.
Powering the new Dzire are the same pair of engines as the previous generation model - the 1.2-liter, 4-cylinder K-series petrol and the 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder DDiS diesel. While the former generates 82 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, the latter churns out 74 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while some variants are also offered with the option of a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
When Maruti-Suzuki teased the all-new Dzire a month back, we wrapped up the post stating it's time for competition to run for cover. We couldn't have been more truer. Even before it's prices were announced, the new Dzire has apparently amassed 33,000 bookings across the length and breath of the country. That's about ten times the monthly sales of the next best-selling compact sedan. Expect the new Dzire to shatter sales records and command a long waiting period.
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