Maruti has launched its third model in India this year, the new third-gen Dzire. The all-new sedan is based on Suzuki's new Heartect platform, the same as on the yet-to-launch new Swift and the Baleno and is wider and lighter than its predecessor. Interestingly, this time around Maruti has done a lot to separate the identity of its bestselling sedan from its hatchback sibling by bringing in such as more noticeable changes to styling and dropping the Swift prefix from the name completely.
Here is all you need to know about Maruti's new compact sedan:
Available in eight variants
As with its predecessor, the new Dzire carries forward the L, V and Z nomenclatures as seen on other Marutis retailing via the standard outlets. However, apart from the standard three variants for petrol and diesel, the new Dzire now also gets a Z+ variant that sits atop the line-up. All but the base L variant comes with the choice of a manual or AMT gearbox.
Based on Baleno's platform
While initial reports had claimed that the new sedan could be based on the old platform, the third-gen Dzire shares its platform with the new Swift and thus the Baleno. Called the 'Heartect' platform by Maruti, the new architecture features the use of high tensile steel to help conserve weight and thus improve performance. The new Dzire now weighs less than 1,000kg with the heaviest variant tipping the scales at 990kg.
Engines carried forward - AMT now available in petrol too
The new Dzire carries forward the existing set of engines from the current model. This includes the 1.2-litre K-series petrol motor and the tried and tested 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. Both units are paired with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of an AMT gearbox also available.
India's most fuel-efficient diesel car
While Maruti hasn't gone into the details like changes in engine tuning, the new Dzire replaces the Ciaz SHVS as India's most fuel-efficient diesel car. The diesel Dzire gets an ARAI rating of 28.4kpl, overtaking the Ciaz's 28.09kpl. The petrol sedan, on the other hand, is rated to return a respectable 22kpl.
Gets an upmarket interior
As with the exterior, the cabin too, shares common elements such as the dashboard and seats, though there are notable differences across the centre console and instrument cluster, along with a bigger focus on providing a premium feel. The dashboard, while similar to that in the new Swift, doesn't follow the same circular theme. The centre console is new with new wedge-shaped air-con vents, new air-con controls and a more rectangular instrument cluster. As before, the car gets a dual-tone interior, along with faux-wood inserts throughout the cabin and the steering wheel to lend a more premium feel.
Offer a fair bit of kit
Maruti has also packed in quite a bit of kit into the new Dzire. While base LXi/LDi variants only get basic kit, dual airbags and ABS are offered as standard while top variants get equipment such as the SmartPlay infotainment system, auto LED projector headlamps, auto climate control, key-less entry and rear air-con vents.
Shares exterior styling bits with the upcoming 2018 Swift
As with its predecessors, the new Dzire shares common styling elements with the upcoming Swift, though there are notable changes in design as compared to the hatchback, such as the more flowing sedan profile and changes to the front end. There are, however, still common elements such as the headlamps, bonnet and front fenders.
Top variants pricey
Maruti has positioned the Dzire at the heart of the compact sedan segment in terms of pricing though the top variants do get a touch pricey. The petrol line-up is priced from Rs 5.45 - 8.41 lakh, while the diesel models are priced from Rs 6.45 - 9.41 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).
Booking details
Dealers are quoting waiting periods of up to three months for select variants of the new Dzire, though in some places, the base L trim is available off the shelf. This though is subject to change with the bookings for the car currently on the rise.