Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, launched its new Swift DZire compact sedan on 1st February 2012. The company has rolled out 7 different variants of its new product. With a starting price of Rs. 4.79 lacs, the Maruti Swift DZire LXI is the cheapest variant and with the price tag of 7.09 lacs, Swift DZire ZDI is the costliest.
As compared to previous DZire model, the prices have been lowered by Rs. 15,000. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki commented that the current prices are introductory and will be increased in upcoming months. This new model by MSIL is available in the domestic market in petrol as well as diesel variants.
The new Swift DZire is the very first compact sedan manufactured by MSIL. This new model has been designed on the platform of the new Maruti Suzuki Swift hatchback. Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer of Marketing and Sales, MSIL, stated “We have invested a lot on the new DZire. It is on a brand new platform. There are at least 150 new features compared to the existing DZire and it is unlikely that the new one will be priced lesser."
With the launch of new Swift DZire, the Indian automobile market has witnessed its second compact sedan after Tata Indigo CS. These compact sedans are less than 4 metres in length. As per the latest norms set by the Government of India, car models below 4 metres are levied only 10% excised duty. However, cars more than 4 meters levied higher excise duty, around 22%.
The Swift DZire compact sedan shares the same engine as the new Swift hatchback. The new model comes equipped with 1197cc, K12M VVT petrol engine along with variable valve timing. The petrol version can produce peak power of 85 hp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 114 Nm at 4000 rpm. According to ARAI, this power-packed engine has fuel economy of 19.1 kmpl. The petrol variant is capable of reaching 100 kmph in just 12.6 seconds.
The diesel variant is fitted with the 1248cc, D13 DDiS engine that is capable of producing maximum power of 73 hp at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. The model has CRDI fuel injection system along with turbocharger and intercooler combination. This performance oriented vehicle offers impressive fuel efficiency of 23.4 kmpl. Moreover, this car can reach 100 kmph speed in 14.8 seconds.
As far as the interior features are concerned, the new compact sedan includes adjustable headrests, seatbelt height adjustment, rear centre armrest and dual sun visors. Dual tone beige and black colour scheme for interior cabin, instrument cluster, centre console, air conditioning with climate control and integrated stereo (in top models) are some of the other features. The car also has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), dual SRS airbags, Brake Assist, Engine Drag Control system and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution).
The newly launched Swift DZire compact sedan is 3995 mm in length, 1695 mm in width and 1530 mm in height. This model weighs 1000 kg and has wheelbase of 2430 mm that is similar to the new Swift hatchback. ORVMs with turn indicators, alloy wheels, large trapezoid tail lamps and new egg crate-style grille append to the sporty appeal of the new Swift DZire.
With entry of the feature-packed vehicle in the compact sedan segment, the company is confident of impressing potential customers. The new Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire would compete against models like Mahindra Verito CS and Tata Manza CS.
