[dZired]

Mod Note: Our Maruti Dzire Review has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the 2017 Dzire in India. An official launch has been scheduled for May 16, 2017, with media drives also expected to be around the said date. While exterior & interior design details and the engine & gearbox options on offer have been revealed, info about the prices, variant-wise feature distribution and official fuel economy figures will only be announced on the aforementioned launch date.



Maruti Suzuki had launched the first-generation Swift Dzire in India back in 2008. The second-gen model was introduced in 2012, while a minor cosmetic facelift was offered in 2015. Throughout its lifetime, the car has been leading its segment by a fairly wide margin. The automaker claims to have sold over 13.81 lakh units of the Dzire till date and currently boasts of a market share of around 50% in the country's entry-level sedan segment.

For its third-generation, the compact sedan has ditched the 'Swift' name from its moniker. Maruti claims that since the new Dzire has been given some significant design changes, as compared to the new-gen Swift, it was apt for the automaker to differentiate the two cars from their names as well. As a result, the new-gen model only gets the Dzire badge on its tailgate.

The new Dzire continues to be a sub-4m car with a length of 3,995 mm. The width has been increased by 40 mm as the compact sedan is now 1,735 mm wide. Additionally, the wheelbase has been upped by 20 mm, translating into a roomier cabin, in comparison to the second-gen model. Meanwhile, the ground clearance is 163 mm (7 mm less than the predecessor), while the height has been reduced by 40 mm as the new model is 1,515 mm tall. All these dimensional changes translate to a squatter stance, especially when viewing the car head-on (and even from the rear).

The 2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire is based on Suzuki's 5th generation B-platform, called the HEARTECT. This is the same platform that underpins the Baleno and the upcoming next-gen Swift. Maruti claims that this new platform provides more room on the inside and has also been developed while keeping in mind the upcoming crash test regulations. As a result, the new Dzire is being claimed to be compliant for front offset, side impact and pedestrian safety regulations, which are expected to be imposed from November 2017. The company will also be offering dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX mounts for child seats as standard across all variants.

The HEARTECT platform uses high-tensile steel in its construction which aids in weight reduction. In case of the new Dzire, the petrol model sees a reduction of 85 kg, while the diesel model is now lighter than its predecessor by 105 kg! Though Maruti didn't officially reveal any fuel economy figures, Mr. CV Raman (Executive Officer - Engg., Research, Design & Development) indicated that the aforementioned weight reduction will translate to better performance as well as enhanced fuel efficiency.

The new Dzire will continue to be equipped with the existing model's engine options. As a result, a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol and a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder diesel are the two engines on offer. Both these engines will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, while an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) will be offered on both petrol and diesel models from the V trim onwards.

The front fascia is characterised by a large, chrome-lined grille that is flanked on both sides by LED projector headlamps with daytime running lights (DRLs):


The side profile clearly shows a more proportionate integration of the boot in comparison to the current-gen model. This has been achieved by redesigning the Dzire from the A-pillar itself (the earlier generation borrowed its design cues from the Swift up to the B-pillar):


The rear has a new boot lid with a sharp kink on the top edge. The number plate housing continues to be located in the centre, with a prominent chrome bar running above it. The wraparound taillights get bull horn-shaped LED light guides:


Top-end variants are equipped with a LED projector setup, along with U-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) on the lower edge of the headlight assembly. Also notice the chrome eyelid above the projector housing:


The front grille is H-U-G-E. It gets four horizontal slats with the Suzuki logo placed in the centre. A thick chrome border runs around the polygonal outline:


Foglamp housings get horizontal slats and a circular fog light. Also visible are the chrome whiskers below on the lower bumper area:


Owing to the wide grille, the new Dzire gets a vertical nose. This complete nose area is actually the front bumper. The hood ends fairly above the front grille. As a result, in case of a mild forward collision, there are lesser chances of denting the sheet metal of the car:


Multi-spoke, 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels look good and successfully manage to fill the slightly beefed up wheel arches. The alloys are shod with 185/65 R15 profile Bridgestone Ecopia tyres:


The A-pillar is now body coloured and ditches the steeply inclined proportions of the earlier models. Instead, it slopes back in a gradual fashion. Also notice the new ORVMs with integrated turn indicators and a chrome bar running on the lower edge of the windows:


Driver and passenger side door handles get request sensor buttons, while the keyhole is available only on the driver's door. The body coloured door handles felt well-built and sturdy, in comparison to the ones on the current model. Alignment isn't perfect though, as you can see in this image:


Even when viewing the side profile from the B-pillar onwards, the boot's integration looks natural and doesn't appear to be an afterthought. Maruti designers have clearly tried to give the new Dzire a sedan look, which is a welcome change from the notchback profile of the current model. Also visible is the blacked-out B-pillar:


Antenna placed at the rear portion of the roof, like the current-gen model's layout:


The new wraparound taillights get an LED light guide and a honeycomb pattern in the stop lamp area. Also visible are the new model and variant badges:


A closer look at the new brand moniker - DZIRE:


There will be 6 colour options on offer: Oxford Blue, Sherwood Brown, Gallant Red, Magma Gray, Silky Silver and Arctic White:

[dZired]

The interiors retain the dual-tone black and beige treatment. The dashboard layout has been inspired from that of the new-gen Swift. However, like the outside, the interiors too have received some design changes to differentiate the two cars. As a result, the circular A/C vents seen on the new Swift have been replaced by wedge-shaped units on the Dzire. Ample faux wood inserts have been thrown around the cabin to add detailing.

Quality of plastics used is definitely a step up from the current model. However, there is still a lot left to be desired. Certain areas like the glovebox and rear A/C vents weren't finished properly. When asked about the lack of fit and finish in these areas, Maruti claimed that the showcased model was a pre-production prototype and the same will get better for production cars. We'll reserve our comments until the official review, yet will add that Maruti should have prepared better for the car's first showing.

With regards to the space offered in the cabin, the new Dzire surely offers more room, especially at the back. The biggest grouse from the current-gen model is the limited space on the back seat. But with a longer wheelbase, Maruti has managed to carve out an additional 50 mm of leg space for rear seat occupants. Additionally, an increment in the width of the car has resulted in an increase in the shoulder room as well. The feeling of airiness is further complemented by the ample use of beige throughout the cabin.

Dual tone dashboard with the upper section finished in black, while the lower area gets beige treatment. Faux wood inserts added on the dashboard, steering wheel as well as front door pads:


The three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel is leather wrapped and gets prominent faux wood inserts around the lower half. The wood effect will surely polarise opinions:


The left spoke houses the integrated buttons for the infotainment system. They offer good haptic feedback. Mute button too:


Telephony controls are placed between the left and lower spoke of the steering:


New twin pod instrument cluster with an MID screen in the centre. The area above the MID screen houses the warning lights and indicators:


The centre A/C vents have a trapezoidal shape, instead of the circular units that have been seen on the new Swift globally. They also feature a slim satin silver border. The faux wood insert running around the passenger side of the dashboard is also visible here:


The centre console is slightly tilted towards the driver and houses the familiar 7.0-inch touchscreen Smartplay infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink. Also seen is the new climate control console:


Below the centre console are the USB & AUX ports, along with a 12V power socket. A tray area has been given to keep your phones, sunglasses, etc. (5.5-inch smartphone placed for sizing reference). Additionally, there are a couple of cup holders ahead of the gear lever:


Showcased model featured the AMT gearbox, something that Maruti calls Auto Gear Shift (AGS). The small gear lever felt nice to hold and operate:


Glovebox is fairly deep, but quite narrow, especially in comparison to the one on the current model. At the bottom, it is not even as wide as a 5.5-inch smartphone!! This might limit the kind of things you can store in it. The lid felt a bit plasticky and took a couple of tries to close properly:


The side A/C vents are all beige. Dial on the side controls the air volume:


Front doors open wide, so ingress and egress won't be an issue. The door pad gets a 1-litre bottle holder and a map pocket. Yes…the door lock lever and power window buttons are still borrowed from other Marutis :


Being an automatic, the showcased model had a fairly wide and usable dead pedal. Notice the beige floor carpets. Believe me, these are extremely hard to maintain in our conditions. This is a show car and you can still see the carpet starting to get dirty around the dead pedal area:


Unlike the front doors, the rear doors don't feature any faux wood inserts. They do get 1-liter bottle holders. Also notice the speaker on the bottom right - has been relocated from the rear parcel tray to the door pad:


The biggest change at the rear is the increase in leg space. Maruti claims to have added 50 mm of legroom at the rear. Additionally, the seats have been placed slightly lower, which liberates more headroom for taller passengers. The wider dimensions also result in better shoulder room:


Rear occupants finally get their own dedicated A/C vents. Notice the ill-fitting panel below? Maruti says that the showcased model was a pre-production prototype and the final production versions won't suffer from such fit and finish issues. We have our fingers crossed. Also visible is the 12V power socket placed above the vent, along with a small indent to slot your smartphone while charging:


The rear centre armrest houses a pair of integrated cup holders:


There is an apparent increase in knee room from the previous-gen model. Here, the front seat is set to my height (5'7") and I have around 8 inches of knee room available:


With the front seat pushed all the way back:


Forward visibility of rear occupants is heavily compromised by these large front headrests:


The new Dzire gets 376 litres of boot space, 60 more than the outgoing model:


No cladding or insulation on the inside of the boot lid:


The spare is a conventional steel wheel:


Retains the current-gen's engine options. Seen here is the 1.3-litre, four-cylinder DDiS diesel. While the 1.2L petrol is a jewel even by current standards, the 1.3L diesel is starting to feel old:


Diesel variants get insulation under the bonnet:

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Indian Car Scene. Thanks for sharing!

A Dzire preview by Dzired who owns the current-gen Dzire . Outstanding preview. Rating thread 5 stars!

[sudeepg]

Great report! It's almost as good as a official review. I think Maruti is correct - They have made this car really premium and therefore I expect the prices to be increased by a fair amount. I liked the new steering wheel, feels much better than the ones used currently.

The center console is a big leap from its previous generation! Great move.

The heavy usage of beige colours add a premium feel as well as makes the interiors look airy and nice. The only odd thing I find in this package is the front headrest.

[Nilesh5417]

This is one of the most well designed versions of any sub 4-m car. Simple touches like giving the roof line a slight curve at the rear make this car look so proportionate. Not a single external design element i can think of as being an eye sore at least on the top end (and from these pics!). Even the front design is refreshing and the big chrome grill somehow looks like it belongs. Am really loving the current design language of MSIL cars - each has the family signature but looks fresh and a stand alone design.

But interiors are still lacking - small touches matter. MSIL needs to understand that upmarket is not faux wood. That was very 2000ish - they should just look around for what works today. More leg room is welcome but lower seat height might mean less under thigh support unless somehow they have taken care of it. How much can boot lid cladding cost?? They could have shown they are ahead of Honda. :P Also, the placement of the speakers at the rear is going to be a pain for family with kids. I know how tough it is and my Ecosport has grey interiors. And cruise control would have been welcome!

Lighter cars are good but how does it fare in crash tests, any clues?

[SmartCat]

Many have commented that nose of new Swift/DZire looks like that of a Jaguar. But to me, the new Suzuki steering looks like Jag's! You just have to peel the leather covering.

[dass]

Excellent preview and I am eagerly waiting for the official review as well. I own the current gen dzire and can surely feel the practicality of the car being improved in this iteration. Does this now come with a factory fitted center arm rest for the driver and co passenger? Couldn't make out from the pictures. If not, that is a bad miss from Maruti.

[Santoshbhat]

Originally Posted by smartcat

Many have commented that nose of new Swift/DZire looks like that of a Jaguar. But to me, the new Suzuki steering looks like Jag's! You just have to peel the leather covering.

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Former designer was a BMW fan

[Coolman]

Originally Posted by dZired

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the 2017 Dzire in India. An official launch has been scheduled for May 16, 2017, with media drives also expected to be around the said date. While exterior & interior design details and the engine & gearbox options on offer have been revealed, info about the prices, variant-wise feature distribution and official fuel economy figures will only be announced on the aforementioned launch date.

...

Amazing car this, and a solid preview. Good one, dZired!

The 2 things I was expecting big from this new gen launch were:

• Improved Ride quality: I like sitting in the rear cabin of an Etios, suspensions at work, I would say many a times to my co-passengers! The present gen Dzire's suspensions are just fair in terms of providing compliant, absorbent ride quality. Hope the new gen Dzire can go a couple notches higher!
  
  
• Seamless Boot Integration: They couldn't get it great with the first gen, and they didn't do much with the current gen. Feels really nice to see that the new gen has come out quite well! Pleasing, I must say. It's really a commendable job by the team out there. To me, integrating a boot onto a hatchback to make a sub-4-meter sedan, and to make it look good, is still the toughest design job! What with the kind of experimental results we saw with the likes of Verito Vibe!
  
  Wish they could have made the rear quarter glass bottom-end to curve down and meet the shoulder line gradually on this new gen!

Acceptably spacious interiors, a bigger boot and moving away from the swift both in terms of the moniker and the design language is a very healthy sign towards making this car more desirable!

Thanks,
C_

[IN-RJ]

IMHO the new Dzire is already having an in-house competitor for the persons who know what are their requirements and what they are buying.

..the wheelbase has been upped by 20 mm,

Wheelbase 20mm upped means it is now (2430+20) =2450mm which is still 70mm less than Baleno (2520mm). the Official review will tell the difference in handling characteristics of new Dzire and Baleno.

My priority is better high end stability. Whoever will be better, I will go for that.

Design is same but looks like Maruti has shortened the height of MID. Baleno’s dial gauge is prominent and easy to read. No need to search, where the needle is? Thick white lines in Dzire look ugly in both speedo and tacho.


At a glance front looks beautiful and love at first sight. One can see the glimpse of Mustang and Mini cooper in it but just after a second dream breaks and intercooler, radiator and twin horn smile at you. Not a negative but spoils the looks.

[Turbokick]

So how did Maruti take care of the issues faced by current generation dzire :
* Balanced and desirable look in spite of being a cs
* Respectable level of boot space
* Differentiation from the upcoming hatch
* More rear seat legroom and seat width
* Updated feature list including the likes of Carplay and rear ac vents

So definitely this is going to be the most rounded dzire ever and if we keep in mind the strengths of the car, things are not going to be easy for other cs cars!

Hopefully the build quality isnt flagging as it is with the Baleno

[DCEite]

Good Preview there, dZired!

Among other improvements, i also hope that this time Maruti is using a thicker grade of window glass. The present generation Swift and DZire have very thin window glasses all around, which result in a lot of road noise creeping in to the cabin. I seriously hope Maruti have fixed this flaw in the upcoming DZire/Swift.

Originally Posted by dZired

Unlike the front doors, the rear doors don't feature any faux wood inserts. They do get 1-liter bottle holders. Also notice the speaker on the bottom right - has been relocated from the rear parcel tray to the door pad:

Did you also notice tweeters mounted on the A pillars? Or is it just a 4 speaker configuration?

[BlackPearl]

Awesome review dZired. I have driven the current gen dZire only once and liked it. Hopefully this will be improved further. The 1.3 litre diesel is becoming a little long in the tooth, but Maruti still has got the best tuning/gearbox combo for this engine. The reduction in weight should help as well.

[HappyRoadie]

Good preview. I must say this is by far the best looking Dzire I have seen. Interiors also look way more pleasing. I think Maruti have another winner here.

[Aaron:)]

Not a compact sedan guy, but this car has all the makings of a segment-best car.

It looks a lot better, the interiors look really nice and the reduced weight should lead to good performance and efficiency numbers. Trust Maruti to load it with features. It's the first Dzire that comes close to being truly 'Dzire'able.

The Xcent might hold on to its sales numbers due to the recent facelift​, but the Amaze and Aspire are going to be hit hard.

The only thing I'm worried about is the price. 50-70k above the current car may be a bit too high, especially with the Baleno around.