Maruti Suzuki Dzire: There’s always been something quietly confident about the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. While other sedans tried to shout their presence, the Dzire simply delivered what Indian families actually needed – space, reliability, and efficiency.
But the latest generation? Well, this one’s different. It’s finally decided to speak up, and boy, does it have something to say.
Walking up to the new Dzire, you immediately notice how it has shed its slightly awkward teenage phase. Gone is the obvious family resemblance to the Swift hatchback.
Instead, what greets you is a sedan that actually looks like it was designed to be a sedan from the ground up. The wide, hexagonal grille dominates the front end, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give it an almost premium car presence.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire What Makes This Generation Special?
The fourth-generation Dzire represents more than just another model update – it’s Maruti’s statement that affordable doesn’t have to mean basic.
The most significant achievement? It has become the first Maruti Suzuki to earn a five-star Global NCAP safety rating. That’s not just a marketing milestone; it’s a genuine game-changer in a segment where safety often took a backseat to cost-cutting.
But the real magic lies in the details. The design team has clearly worked overtime to distance this sedan from its hatchback sibling.
The proportions feel more balanced, the chrome connecting the taillights adds sophistication, and those 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (on higher variants) actually look appropriate for the car’s size.
Interior Transformation
Step inside, and the changes become even more apparent. The dashboard gets a complete redesign with a floating 9-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – features that were unthinkable in this price segment just a few years ago.
The beige-black color scheme feels notably more upmarket than the all-black plastic fest of previous generations.
Yes, it’s still primarily hard plastic, but the textures and finishes show genuine attention to perceived quality. The highlight, quite literally, is the segment-first electric sunroof. Sure, it’s small, but in India’s price-conscious market, having any sunroof at this price point feels like a minor miracle.
Space remains the Dzire’s traditional strength. Front passengers get comfortable accommodation, while the rear bench provides adequate room for two adults or three in a pinch.
The 382-liter boot continues to be one of the largest in the segment – perfect for airport runs or weekend getaways.
Engine Evolution: The Three-Cylinder Story
Here’s where things get interesting, and perhaps slightly controversial. Maruti has ditched the previous four-cylinder engine in favor of a new three-cylinder Z-series unit.
On paper, this sounds like a downgrade – and in pure power terms, it is.
Engine Specifications Comparison
| Specification | New Z-Series Engine | Previous K-Series |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 3-cylinder, 1.2L | 4-cylinder, 1.2L |
| Power Output | 82 bhp @ 5700 rpm | 90 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 4300 rpm | 113 Nm @ 4200 rpm |
| Manual Mileage | 24.79 kmpl | 22.41 kmpl |
| AMT Mileage | 25.71 kmpl | 22.61 kmpl |
The numbers tell the real story. Yes, you lose 8 horsepower, but you gain over 2 kmpl in fuel efficiency. For most Dzire buyers – people who prioritize running costs over weekend track sessions – this trade-off makes perfect sense.
In real-world driving, the three-cylinder engine feels surprisingly refined.
There’s no significant vibration at idle, and the power delivery remains smooth through the rev range. City driving feels effortless, and highway cruising remains comfortable, though overtaking requires more planning than before.
CNG: The Practical Hero
The CNG variant deserves special mention. With fuel prices constantly climbing, the bi-fuel option delivering 33.73 km/kg becomes genuinely attractive.
The power drops to 70 bhp in gas mode, but for urban commuting and cab operators, the running cost savings prove irresistible.
Technology and Features That Matter
The feature list reflects Maruti’s understanding of what modern buyers actually want. The 360-degree camera provides genuinely useful assistance in tight parking situations. Cruise control makes highway drives more relaxing. Automatic climate control feels properly premium.
Safety Equipment (Standard Across All Variants)
Six airbags
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Hold Assist
Three-point seatbelts for all passengers
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The comprehensive safety package across all variants – not just the top model – demonstrates Maruti’s commitment to protecting passengers regardless of their budget.
Pricing Reality Check
Starting at ₹6.84 lakh and topping out at ₹10.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Dzire positions itself aggressively.
The base variant now costs about ₹22,000 more than its predecessor, but considering the extensive feature additions and safety improvements, the premium feels justified.
The top variant’s ₹75,000 price increase over the previous generation might seem steep, but when you consider the sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and significantly enhanced safety equipment, the value proposition remains strong.
Real-World Ownership Perspective
After spending time with the new Dzire, several things become clear. This isn’t a car that will thrill driving enthusiasts, but it wasn’t designed for them.
Instead, it excels at being exactly what most Indian families need: reliable, efficient, spacious, and now genuinely safer transportation.
The ride quality feels well-sorted for Indian roads, the air conditioning works effectively, and the overall refinement has improved noticeably.
These might sound like basic requirements, but in this price segment, getting the fundamentals right often matters more than flashy features.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Final Thoughts
The new Dzire succeeds because it understands its mission perfectly. This is practical transportation elevated to its highest form – not exciting, perhaps, but genuinely competent in ways that matter for daily life.
For buyers seeking their first sedan, upgrading from a hatchback, or simply needing reliable family transportation, the Dzire delivers compelling value.
The five-star safety rating alone makes it worth considering, while the improved efficiency ensures lower running costs.
Sometimes the best cars aren’t the most exciting ones – they’re simply the ones that work, day after day, year after year.
The new Dzire masters this fundamental automotive truth better than almost any competitor.