Nine changes on the new Maruti Suzuki DZire you need to know.
In an exclusive preview for select media, Car India got a closer look at the new 2017 Maruti Suzuki DZire. Here are some of the notable changes that you need to know.
1. The first interesting change is that unlike all the older versions of this compact sedan, the 2017 Maruti Suzuki DZire drops the Swift prefix to its name and will now will be marketed simply as the ‘DZire’. This will help differentiate itself from the Swift hatchback, and in turn help improve the pride of ownership of the sedan buyers.
2. Even though Maruti is trying to project the Swift and the DZire as different cars, the front design of the 2017 DZire and the forthcoming 2018 Swift (launch expected around 2018 Auto Expo) have a lot in common. Right from the shape of the new projector headlights, to the new hexagonal grille, the 2017 DZire and the yet to be launched Swift appear to be mirror images of each other. The rear of the DZire follows Suzuki’s new design language, which is also seen in the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The DZire has LED tail-lamps, a new shape for the bumper and a chunky chrome slat with DZire stamped on it.
3. The new Maruti DZire will be launched in India on May 16. The current DZire is priced between Rs 5.35 lakh and Rs 7.03 lakh for the petrol variants, while diesel trims range between Rs 6.16 lakh and Rs 8.58 lakh, all prices ex-showroom, Delhi. Maruti have been known to price their products very aggressively, and we expect the new DZire to be launched with a slight hike in price. The 2017 DZire has quite a few new cars to compete with, including the recently refreshed Hyundai Xcent, Ford Figo Aspire, Honda Amaze, Toyota Etios, Volkswagen Ameo and the latest entrant in the compact sedan segment – the Tata Tigor.
4. Maruti aren’t trying to be adventurous with the engine options in the 2017 DZire. Although they have recently introduced a new 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine in the Baleno RS, the DZire will continue to be powered by the tried-and-tested 1.2-litre K-series petrol and the 1.3-litre DDiS turbo-diesel units which are expected to be further optimised to improve low-end performance and fuel efficiency. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 Swift gets the compact and peppy BoosterJet. Going with the trend, even the petrol engine, along with the diesel mill, will come with the option of a five-speed manual or an Auto Gear Shift (AGS) option from the V variant onwards.
5. The DZire has been a huge success in India and is often seen soaring on the monthly car sales chart, usually being outsold only by India’s most popular car – the Maruti Suzuki Alto. The DZire has sold over 13 lakh units since it was launched in our country back in 2008. One of the biggest contributors in making it a blockbuster, are fleet owners who have been buying the reliable sedan in bulk. Back in 2012, when the DZire got a makeover, the older version continued to cater to the taxi-fleet buyers as the DZire Tour. Similarly, the current DZire will keep rolling out of Maruti’s plant but will be mainly targeted at these commercial users.
6. Since the 2017 DZire is being projected a notch higher in its bracket than before, it will come with more comfort and features. It’s the first Maruti to get a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel. Like the newer Maruti Suzuki models – the Baleno and Vitara Brezza, the 2017 DZire will come with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This will come equipped with a music system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Similarly, top-spec models will come with reverse camera, keyless entry and a Start/Stop button. Safety won’t be overlooked either, so expect ABS with EBD and dual airbags as standard along with pre-tensioner-equipped seat belts.
7. The new DZire is an all-new model, and not a facelift. It’s based on the fifth-generation B-platform which also underpins the Baleno hatchback. With the lighter platform, re-tuned powertrains and more aerodynamic design, the 2017 Maruti DZire is expected to be more fuel efficient. Currently, the petrol manual DZire has an ARAI certified 20.85 km/l, while the petrol automatic claims 18.5 km/l. Meanwhile, both the diesel manual and AMT claim 26.59 km/l.
8. Overall, the DZire is a larger car with a longer wheelbase (20 mm longer than older DZire), and is also more spacious on the inside. But it’s still under four metres with an overall length of 3,995 mm. The cabin is roomier and the seats are more comfortable. There are even rear air vents to keep back-seat passengers cool. Moreover, the boot space has been increased to 316 litres. The ground clearance has been lowered by 7 mm (163 mm) to make the sedan look wider.
9. The new DZire will be offered in four variants in petrol and diesel engine options each
Petrol: LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+
Diesel: LDi, VDi, ZDi and ZDi+
It will be offered in nine colours including Oxford Blue, Sheerwood Brown, Gallant Red, Magma Gray, Silky Silver and Arctic White.
Story: Sarmad Kadiri
