Maruti has unveiled the all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire and we like what we see. The car will be launched on 16 May 2017 when prices will be announced. This is the third major model change to this car since 2008. This compact sedan from Maruti has indeed grown up. It now has some design cues reminiscent of the Maruti Baleno – both the current one and the sedan by the same name that was discontinued in 2007.
Here’s a quick look at the feature additions and highlights of the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Minor Name Change
Notice, we did not say Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, which was what the earlier car was called. Maruti has dropped the Swift name from the car, as it says this car is built on an all-new platform. Never-mind that the Maruti Swift hatchback, built on this new platform, will only be launched later this year.
A New Platform
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is based on the same platform that the Maruti Baleno hatchback is built on, which is lighter than the current Dzire. So much so the base variants of the Dzire have become lighter. The diesel is 105 Kg lighter (now only 940 Kg), while the petrol car is 85Kg lighter. The car is also slightly lower in height.
New Front Look
The Dzire’s shape has been given a complete makeover. The car looks longer and wider now, although it is still under 4-metres in length. The front of the car looks a little like the old Baleno sedan, with an almost oval chrome grille, new bumper and headlamps.
New Headlamps
The headlamps are now projector units with LED light guides. These are not daytime running lights. The projectors give the car a smart look, with the indicators moving towards the centre.
Muscular Profile
The new platform has allowed Maruti to increase the wheelbase by about 20 mm, freeing up precious interior space. The design has been rounded off and the C-pillar now flows cleanly into the boot. It no longer looks like a hatchback with a boot stuck on and is more proportionate.
New Rear Design
The boot has also become slightly bigger, moving from 316 litres to 376 litres now, allowing you to squeeze in one more piece of luggage.
The car also looks slightly wider from the rear because of the chrome strip that connects the tail-lamps. The tail-lights also get LED treatment.
More Rear Seat Comfort
With the increase in wheelbase, Maruti has also increased rear-seat legroom by about 50 mm. Shoulder room has gone up as well by about 30 mm, making it possible to seat three in the rear with slightly better comfort. It has a drop-down armrest with cupholders and two rear AC vents with a 12-volt charging point now. Maruti says this is something it learnt from the Ciaz.
More Features
The Dzire now gets a host of new features. Automatic climate control, power folding mirrors and push-button ignition are present on the top-end variants. In addition, it gets a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link.
Familiar Engines
There are no changes that have been done to the engines. The Dzire will get the same 1.2 litre K-Series, 4-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 84 bhp and 115 Nm of torque and the 1.3 litre diesel engine with 74 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. Both engines are offered with a choice of 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission.
Safety Upgrade
The new Maruti Dzire has been built to meet the new crash test norms. All variants of the car will get dual airbags, ABS and ISOFIX child seat mounting points as standard.
Here is a quick look at the key specifications of the 2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire:
2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications
Length: 3995 mm (no change)
Width: 1735 mm (40 mm wider)
Height: 1515 mm (40 mm lower)
Wheelbase: 2450 mm (20 mm more)
Boot space: 376 litres (60 litres more)
Engine: 1.2 litre petrol or 1.3 litre diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic
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