Maruti Suzuki Dzire : Maruti Suzuki has finally taken the veil off its highly anticipated next-gen Dzire and It obviously goes without saying that brand Maruti is stepping up to a whole new level this time around.
With a reputation for dependably, low prices and good fuel consumption, the Dzire has always been popular among Indian customers.
However, with the new-gen model, Maruti has added a dash of sophistication – both in design and features, making it not just a pragmatic car, but also one that is stylish and comfortable.
And with competitors ramping things up, design wise or for that matter technology, the new Dzire takes on the challenge head on.
The company has done more than just revise the looks – this time around, the Dzire feels more of a lifestyle sedan than a mere budget commuter.
Outside: understated elegance meets freshStyling
The new Dzire is lower, wider and more aerodynamic. The front grille is more aggressive looking with chrome accents to go with the restyled LED projector headlamps.
DRLs fit neatly into the set-up and give a modern look. The front bumper has been reshaped for a cleaner and more aggressive look.
To the side, the car maintains its compact sedan form but adds more aggressive character lines and new dual-tone alloy wheels, which make it appear more sporting.
Completing the premium appearance at the back are the revised LED tail lamps and subtly tweaked boot lid.
The outer shell, on the whole, looks more mature and elegant than before, with touches that tie it to higher-end sedans.
Inside: Premium in a Small Package
The difference is even more dramatic inside the cabin. Inside, the dashboard is a completely new design with a layered look, and soft touch materials have been added to upper trims.
The faux wood accents, brushed metal inserts and leather-wrapped steering add an upscale touch.
While Dzire new-gen has the same 9-inch infotainment touchscreen as Verna in size, it does get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The seats are broader and deeper shaped, providing better comfort on long drives. The rear is a much improved place to sit, with better knee room and AC vents.
The dual-tone cabin scheme is bright and airy, and overall fit and finish seems better than what you would expect in the segment.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet, Maruti persists with its tried-and-tested 1.2L DualJet petrol engine, albeit with better refinement and a touch better tuning.
This engine also develops idle start-stop tech and is BS6 Phase-2 compliant. Buyers have the option of either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox.
Power delivery is linear, and city driving is a breeze. Ride and handling is clearly better thanks to the smoothed out suspension setup, while NVH has also significantly come down.
It’s not a performance car, of course, but performs well enough for daily urban use and the occasional sprint down the highway.
Pros
Refined and premium design
The new front fascia, LED lamps, and bold set of alloys provide the Dzire with a contemporary, classy stance.
Upgraded interior materials
Its new cabin design and premium touches elevate the feel almost to upper-segment level.
Fuel-efficient engine
The engine yet to be economical, courtesy the idle start-stop system especially in the 1.2L engine.
Feature-rich top variants
Bigger touchscreen, wireless connectivity, cruise control, and rear AC vents add value.
Reliable and easy to maintain
Maruti still rides piggyback on a wide service network and cheap upkeep.
⚠️ Cons
No turbo or hybrid option
And although it is efficient, the engine is hardly exciting or the punch some newer rivals now provide.
AMT gearbox can be jerky
The AMT isn’t as silken as a CVT or a torque converter in stop-and-go traffic.
Still compact in size
Rear seat space is better than before but it’s also not that comfortable as compared to some of the larger sub-4m sedans.
Higher end trims feel like they belong to larger vehicles
And the loaded-out version starts encroaching on the price of compact SUVs, which is where they start breaching in comparison with this car.
Limited innovation in design
And though it looks better, the design tweaks are evolutionary, not revolutionary.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Final Verdict
The new-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire is a logical step towards elbowing its way back into the best-seller spot. With all this fresh premium style, nicer cabin quality, additional features and familiar engine however, it represents a bit more of an everyday proposition for the buyer hung up on both comfort and fuel economy.
It may not be the most glamorous car to drive, or the most edgy looking one, but if you need a sensible, relatively economical and value-for-money compact sedan, the Dzire continues to be a car to beat now in a package more premium than ever before.