Countdown has started for the new Swift Dzire that will be launched in the Indian automobile market on 1st February 2012. Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) will introduce the smaller version of its most successful sedan Maruti Swift Dzire. This compact sedan has been designed on the platform of new Maruti Suzuki Swift. The new product by MSIL would compete against yet to be launched models Mahindra Verito CS and Tata Manza CS.
According to Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, "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." The existing Dzire model is available at a price tag ranging between Rs. 4.94 lacs and Rs. 7.29 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi).
The new compact sedan model by MSIL would measure 3,995 mm in length (less 165mm), 1695mm in width and 1530mm in height. With this length, the new compact sedan will become eligible for the 10% excise duty. Cars measuring more than 4000 mm are levied with 22% excise duty.
Like Maruti Suzuki Swift, the new model will have 2430mm wheelbase (up 40mm). It would weigh 1,000 kg that is again equivalent to the new Maruti Swift. According to reports, the new Dzire would be introduced with K12M VVT petrol engine and D13A DDiS diesel engine. The K12 petrol engine is capable of producing maximum power of 85 hp and peak torque of 114 Nm. The petrol variant will also be introduced in the Indian market with automatic transmission. Moreover, the diesel variant of the new compact sedan will be equipped with the 1248 cc, intercooled turbocharged diesel engine that will churn out peak power of 73 hp and peak torque of 190 Nm.
The new Dzire will have several new features like new egg crate-style grille, organic-shaped tail lamp clusters, and alloy wheels. Dual-tone beige and black colour scheme for cabin, dashboard with sombre black finish, air conditioning with climate control and integrated audio system with six speakers are some of the other features of the new compact sedan. The detent pin tech and variable valve timing have also been assimilated in the new model.
According to analysts, the 2012 Dzire compact sedan may be priced lower than the existing model. Contrary to this, company officials have stated that the new model may keep the same price of the current Swift Dzire, which MSIL is thinking of replacing.
