Took a test drive of new Dzire Diese Zdi+ Manual.
Thoroughly impressed. Images are from
CarHunt.
Here are my observations :
1) Space. Abundance of it. What a stark contrast to second generation Dzire. I do frequent travel in second generation Dzire, and this new car is a much needed positive change. Legroom at front is good, rear is quite improved. I was comfortable despite my heavy frame. Moreover, the rear seat to floor ratio of height is good. Some more under-thigh support would be good, but its much improved overall.
2) Sound insulation. Again a very positive change. My current 2015 Swift and second generation Dzire almost feel one and half generation behind on this parameter. Once you close the door, there is immediate difference on how much external noise filters into cabin. It increases comfort and also ensures a more relaxed feel.
3) Aesthetics. Blue color looks stunning. There was huge rush, so I couldn't take images. But one has to see the car in person to note how much more proportionate the car is. Immediately, the 2nd generation Dzire feels a couple of generations behind the new one specially from rear. That black A-pillar is gone for good. Somehow, the front 3 quarter view reminds me of HM Ambassador. Projector lights look very good, grille is a bit large, but slightly less chrome would do good, but Indians love chrome, dont we ? Well, I might be an exception, but most do like chrome, Maruti did what it had to do for volumes. There is good relief at rear, but somehow, the rear tail lights reminds of Amaze in a way.
4) Front Seats. I always thought that second generation Swift and Dzire had best front seats in business, and the third generation Dizre comfortably beats second generation. Much better side bolstering, and for someone who weighs in at 100 kg with broad shoulders, this is a huge achievement. The front seats are definitely better than my 2015 Swift. Large headrests are comfortable too. All of a sudden, Xcent seats feel a cost cutting measure (I had a grand i10 for 18 months). Nice to see Maruti come up with good seats and avoiding cost cutting here.
5) Driving the diesel with manual transmission. The car barely had 75 kms. on the odo. Car was idling at 950 rpm with AC, and it was time for 2nd gear speed breaker test. There were 3 adults in the car, and the car passed the second gear speed breaker test. No stalling even in 2nd gear at 10 kmph. There was a slight struggle, but it managed. Though response just after than was a bit flat, I never needed to shift into 1st. Just after the speed-breaker, I felt the motor had slight lack of response. There could be anti-stall feature but even if it was there, it wasn't intrusive. Once that slightly lack of response is gone, the power flows in, specially after around 1800-2000 rpm. As there were very little kms. on odo, didnt't push it past approx. 2500 rpm. But post 2000 rpm power was flowing in. The sudden push was missing, but there was a more linear surge. In my 2010 K10 Wagon R CNG, the same speed breaker would need 1st gear even with a single occupant. As compared to my Swift, it was better. My Swift would clear it in 2nd gear with some vibrations, but there wont be any lack of response thereafter.
I was completely comfortable with clutch.
6) Ride. Improved over the previous generation. Stiffness felt at low speeds, but once the speedo climbs, ride got better. I felt the test car had very high tire pressure as smaller irregularities at slow speed were quite harsh. But suspension appeared much more silent than before. A longer test drive would depict a more accurate picture.
7) Steering feel. Lighter than before. As compared to my Swift, the steering was definitely lighter. However, we couldn't cross 60 kmph so I cant comment how it felt at higher speeds. For dense urban traffic, steering felt good. When it was time to take a U-Turn, I couldn't take a larger radius thanks to heavy traffic. While executing the U-Turn, around half of a lock of steering was more than my expectation. Enthusiasts will have a reason to be slightly disappointed. However, my car had a very high tire pressure IMO.
8) A/C. Chiller. In Gujarat's intense heat, the car was parked in the sun. 3 adults sit in, A/C cools cabin to comfortable temperature within 2 mins. or max 3 mins. Rear A/C vents have better throw than the rear AC vents of Xcent. Rear AC vents in Dzire do actually help to improve the comfort levels specially after the car is parked under the sun.
9) Build Quality. Panel gaps were a bit larger than my expectations. But the doors felt sturdier. Not exactly that flimsy. Dashboard felt better built, and switches of power windows had a better feel while operating them. Much better feel than my Swift.
10) Braking. They made me realize how "not-so-good" are the brakes on my Swift VXi. Good feel (no sponginess), easy to modulate. I now feel that my car's brakes are not even half as capable as the motor.
11) Visibility : Dashboard is lower than outgoing car. And the driver's seat height adjustment has a good range, very versatile. If I were to compare it with my Swift VXi, visibility upfront due to lower dashboard was atleast 20% better. Not only does it give better visibility, low dashboard cowl also means cabin felt more roomy. Due to beige interiors, lower dashboard the ambiance in cabin felt improved. Roomy, Airy.
Another point/s.
Padding just driver's door armrest behind the door handle. This is missing/of very poor quality in my car. So during long drives if I put my hand onto it, after a few mins there was irritation in elbow. No such problems on the car I test drove.
Felt the ORVM were smaller. Slightly less vision than my Swift.
Some images from the aforementioned
source :