The 2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire will be launched on May 16, 2017 but before that, we have got an opportunity to get up and close for a pre-launch peep. The new 2017 Dzire does look similar to the current car but move in closer and you will find every panel to be different but that is not the reason why Maruti Suzuki decided to drop the Swift from its name. Maruti Suzuki wants the new Dzire to have an identity of its own especially when it is selling more than half of the units of its segment. Here is what we know about the new Dzire.
Looks and Styling
Think of the Swift or the Dzire and the squatty, high shoulder-line Mini-ish looks pop into your head. In times where brand connect is mirage, the Dzire has it spot on and in no way MSIL would want to take that away. Hence, as we said before, the car looks similar except for the fact that it is all new. The 2017 Dzire has been built on the all-new HeartTech platform which makes the car lighter while not compromising on strength or agility of chassis.
The elongated hexagonal grille in the front gets chrome lining and a large Suzuki monogram in the centre like the Ciaz. The swept back headlamps have become more angular and sharper and now get LED daytime running lamps embedded in them. The profile is almost the same but with subtle changes which makes the roof flow into the boot lid rather than accidentally find it. The large chrome strip on the boot and the spoiler like deck-lid remind you of the current car but the rear bumper is all new.
Cabin and Equipment
The new 2017 Dzire’s cabin is a lot of beige topped with black and garnished with wood. The faux wood is found on the dashboard, the entire lower half of the steering wheel and the window trims. While the dashboard hasn’t changed a lot in its layout, the centre console gets the all-new touchscreen infotainment system from Ignis/Baleno along with the automatic climate control for the top trims.
This is the first time Maruti Suzuki has gone for a flat-bottom steering wheel, giving the Dzire a touch of sportiness inside the cabin. The usual equipment list that consists of power steering, all-four power windows, electrically adjustable and foldable wing mirrors etc will be available bringing it at par with the competition. As for the safety, you have ABS with EBD and dual front airbags standard on the new Dzire.
Engine and Gearbox
Maruti Suzuki has built a reputation for their bulletproof powertrains that offer power with generous fuel economy. The new 2017 Dzire will continue with those tried and tested powertrains – the 1.2-litre K series petrol engine and out favourite, the 1.3 litre diesel engine.
The 1.2-litre four cylinder petrol develops 83bhp of power while the 1.3-litre turbo-diesel develops 74bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. Both the engines will come mated to a five speed manual transmission. While you had a CVT option for the petrol before, the new Dzire will get five-speed AMT options for both the petrol and diesel engines.
Price and Competition
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire will continue to compete with the recently launched Hyundai Xcent, the Honda Amaze and the Tata Tigor along with options like the Ford Aspire, Volkswagen Ameo and the Tata Zest in the compact sedan segment. In spite of the entirely new platform and the new design, we do not expect the new car to be priced too high. We think, it may be very close to the current price, which means a price tag starting between Rs 5.35 lakh to Rs 5.6 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.
