Maruti Swift Dzire

New Maruti Swift Dzire, the notchback broke cover on February 1st, 2012. One can say that this new Maruti car is the younger sister of Maruti Swift Dzire sedan which was launched back in 2008. Both the cars look almost similar with miniscule differences like dimensions and few exterior features. This is Maruti’s first effort to cut cost of production of its sedan car by shortening its length. However, the selling price is less than the Swift Dzire model by a few thousand bucks because the car-maker has introduced 150 new features to make up the price of new Dzire.

New Maruti Swift Dzire is codenamed as Swift 3.99 as the length of this new car is less than 4 meter. Maruti has thought about this compact version so as to keep the SX4 and Dzire segment well apart from each other considering that they have the same powertrain and similar features and customers prefer SX4 when compared to Dzire. This is not for the first time that a car manufacturer has reduced the length of its sedan car. Earlier Tata Motors had crushed its sedan-Tata Indigo to give birth to Indigo CS. It is also planning to manufacture Tata Manza CS. Even Mahindra & Mahindra is at its heels to boil down its Verito sedan and come up with a cheaper Verito CS. So there are many competitors in line.  Actually government of India spares cars below 4 metre to pay heavy excise duty. While cars above 4 metre attracts 22% excise duty, small cars (below 4 metre) are charged only 10% duty.

New Maruti Swift Dzire is packed with the same engine as Maruti Swift hatchback as it is based on new Swift’s platform. The car is available with petrol and diesel version. 4 petrol and 3 diesel variants are rolled out with the new notchback car making a total of seven models in its fleet namely LXi, VXi, VXi AT, ZXi, LDi, VDi and ZDi. New Maruti Swift Dzire petrol uses the tried and tested K series engine i.e. 1.2 litre engine with a displacement of 1197 cc. This petrol engine is twinned to a 5 speed manual transmission and the mid-variant VXi is offered with a four-speed automatic transmission also. The engine is compliant to BS IV emission norms. This K 12 super machine is able to blow out power output as much as 86 bhp at 6000 rpm and a torque of 114 Nm at 4000 rpm. The K-Series petrol engine gains from the Variable Valve Timing and which has resulted in a rise of power by 2 bhp as compared to the older sedan. Since diesel cars are much desirable in India, Maruti has brought this compact car in diesel variant also. A 1.3 litre DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft) diesel engine with a displacement of 1248 cc is fitted in the new diesel car in India. This DDiS engine is bestowed with superior CRDI fuel injection system with turbocharger and intercooler combination that offers efficient combustion and higher torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm.  This advanced diesel engine produces an impressive peak power of 74 bhp at 4000 rpm.

The current Dzire is 4160mm long. However, the overall length of this compact sedan car which now looks more of a notchback is 3995 mm. The design and development of the new Swift Dzire is being done completely in-house by Maruti as this model will only be sold in the Indian market. The Swift Dzire Compact sedan is built on the new Swift platform which was launched in August 2011. Since the new Swift platform is bigger than its predecessor, the quest for Maruti engineers was to fix a boot that fits under the four-metre length, which was actually a troublesome task. This resulted in significantly reduction in boot space in the new car. The boot space now boils down to 316 litres. However, since the new Swift has 40mm longer wheelbase, the wheelbase of new Maruti Swift Dzire is 2430 mm as compared to the wheelbase of outgoing car which is 2390 mm. The squarish boot lid imitates the Swift Dzire Kizashi. The new compact sedan is said to be wider and have roomier interiors now. The space for rear seats has been increased considerably seeing the longer wheelbase now.

New Swift Dzire adorns some changes like a completely new grille. A slatted grille is neither seen on Swift hatchback nor Swift Dzire sedan. The headlamps are bigger and better looking with completely new tail lamps, larger rear door; the new bumpers incorporate wider air dam grille and new fog lamp enclosures. Most of the rear is tweaked; however the styling is done neatly. The small rear quarter glass has a more conventional fall to it. While all these are exterior changes, the new car in India also boasts of its enhanced interior space, the beige plastics on the dual-tone dashboard and door pads, light colored upholstery, adjustable headrests and armrest in the centre of rear seat.

New Maruti Swift Dzire is powered by the same engines which power Swift hatchback. The 1.2 litre petrol engine comes from K series family and is associated with variable valve timing. 19.1 kmpl is the proud mileage figure that can be attained while driving a new petrol Dzire model. However, this is only for the manual variants and automatic VXi variant suffers from lesser mileage (17.4 kmpl). The 1.3 litre diesel engine is the other type of motors which powers the diesel breed of new Swift Dzire. The engine is found to be pretty much refined with a mileage of 23.4 kmpl on highways. More mileage is the result of DDiS engine with superior CRDI fuel injection system combined with turbocharger and intercooler that offers efficient combustion of each and every drop of fuel. These exceptional figures come straight from ARAI tests and provide much scope for Dzire notchback to enrich its portfolio.

Power is something in which new Maruti Swift Dzire Compact sedan has seen a considerable rise due to new Swift platform used in the manufacturing of the new car. Actually, a K-series engine is used in the petrol models of New Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. This 1.2 litre K12 Petrol motors makes for a power of 86 bhp at 6000 rpm and a torque output of 114 Nm at 4000 rpm is given. The key point that needs to be seen here is that Swift Dzire petrol was giving 84 bhp of power and compact version is giving 86 bhp. So, one can enjoy the benefit of 2 bhp in the new models owing to VVT (Variable Valve Timing). The 16 valves have a multipoint fuel injection. It has naturally aspirated air charging system.

Coming to the diesel power train which is said to be more refined, a 1.3 DOHC diesel engine powers the new Swift Dzire. Peak power of 74 bhp at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm is what one gets out of this 1248 cc engine. The DDIS CRDI engine sourced from Fiat results in great power hauling.

These colors are available with all variants of Maruti Swift Dzire

The K series petrol engine of the new Maruti Swift Dzire crosses the barrier of 100 km in just 12.60 seconds and reaches top speed of 169 kmph. This 1.2 litre engine is mated to a five speed manual transmission and four speed automatic transmission. This is for the first time that Swift is being offered in automatic transmission. So can one expect the level of ease for driver. On the other hand, the 1.3 litre diesel engine has a better acceleration compared to petrol motor and reaches 100 km in just 14.8 seconds and top speed of 162 kmph. It is quite evident that diesel is quicker and refined than the petrol guise. It has a fixed geometry turbo charger with intercooler.

View Maruti Swift Dzire Exterior Pictures

New Maruti Swift Dzire looks extremely pleasing from outside. The Swift Dzire has been given a touch-up and new features are quite evident on outside. The exteriors are simple yet elegant and perfectly suit the look of an entry-level notchback.  The features that one will witness for the first time in a Maruti car are slated grille in black which incorporates Suzuki emblem in chrome. That said chrome is missing from the grille, fog lamp enclosing and air dam to present the notchback in a sporty look. The hawk eye headlights are quite unique in its styling. Body color bumpers, provide a neat and clean look to the front of fresh Maruti Swift Dzire.

The side profile is also interesting. New Maruti Swift Dzire has a notchback three box-sedan body type. The ORVMs are provided with turn indicators. Wheels have a lot of alloy just like Swift hatchback but only in top-end variants while costs of all other variants are checked by steel wheels.  Since the overall length is shortened, the sedan looks small from side, however the rear door are quite large in comparison to Swift hatchback. Body color door handles and body color ORVMs add pride to the owner. When viewed from the side, the boot lid appears to be elevated thus giving this car a unique look.

At the boxy rear, one would find small boot as the very noticeable change in the new car. Large trapezoid tail lamps are new for Swift range of cars. A roof antenna gives the car necessary aerodynamics and makes it a superb performer. Stop lamp is placed on the base of rear windshield. A thick chrome bar divides the boot lid in two parts and looks lavish. Overall, the Compact sedan looks entry level only and there is not much in terms of design to boast about. However, the performance of the car amalgamated with features and goodies make it a head-turner.    

Exterior Measurements

This is an arena where most of the changes are visible as compared to Maruti Swift Dzire sedan. The new Compact sedan is based on the new Swift hatch platform and so is made on extended wheelbase. The wheelbase of this car is 2430 mm. Hence one finds enough space in the car. The length however, feels a scissor on it which now stands at 3995 mm. The below 4 metre mark is an achievement for Maruti engineers which helped the company to save to excessive bucks on excise duty. They have made the overall look of the car very intact and gluey now. The height of the compact sedan is 1555 mm and width is 1695 mm. The ground clearance is a good 170 mm that keeps the car above all bumps.  The kerb weight is equal to its hatchback sister and varies from 960 kg-990 kg depending on the selected variant.

View Maruti Swift Dzire Interior Pictures

Maruti Swift Dzire is essentially an entry-level notchback car and perfect to drive five members in comfort. The performance of car overshadows the overall looks. Nevertheless, the car maker has put in all efforts for top class fit and finish.  The dual tone dashboard with beige plastics below and black above separated by wooden trim. The door pads and the seat fabrics are all done in beige thus giving a luxurious look. Integrated stereo on higher models and climate control air conditioning are some features never seen in entry level car. The company has loaded 150 new features in this compact sedan. The inside door handles are done with chrome and add notch feel to the interiors. The instrument cluster and centre console and neatly designed with all equipments in place. The sporty naïve instrument panel has a meter cluster with silver embellishments and 3D acrylic graduations that look even better when illuminated. Chrome-finish elements have been added to the louvers and door handles while wooden-grain panels extend from the instrument panel to the door, all to give a sharp finish to the interiors.

The new entry level notchback is leveraged with all necessary material comforts. The owner would not have to doubt about comfort in this Maruti car. Adjustable headrests and a rear centre armrest please the passengers like nothing else. Even driver seat height adjustment and seatbelt height adjustment is possible. The rear-seat is pretty comfortable but the backrest is a bit reclined. The front seats carried away from the Swift hatch, are very comfy, while increased rear space acts as cherry on the cake which was actually missing from the Swift Dzire. The dual sun visors protect the driver and passenger from scorching light. The boot although is small but still manages to add practicality to the car on weekend drives. Automatic transmission on middle petrol variant needs no explanation for contributing in comfort.

Interior Measurements

The legroom, headroom and shoulder room is more than enough just like all Maruti cars which are quite reliable in India. Boot space is a decent 316 litres and is enough to carry a weekend’s luggage.

Engines on new Maruti Swift Dzire are same as new Swift hatchback. Both petrol and diesel options are kept for customers to choose from. Starting with the petrol model, one finds a K series engine in the bonnet that is powerful enough to spit out 86 bhp at 6000 rpm and a torque of 114 Nm at 4000 rpm. The 1.2 litre engine has a displacement of 1197 cc. The BSIV compliant engine is mated with a five speed manual and a four speed automatic transmission. The USP about this K 12M petrol engine is that it is combined with a Variable Valve Timing so that one can see a jump in power and improvement in fuel efficiency. As per ARAI, the petrol version is able to deliver 19.1 kmpl of mileage.

The other trim is in diesel guise. A 1.3 litre DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft) diesel engine with a displacement of 1248 cc is fitted in the new diesel car in India. This DDiS engine is bestowed with superior CRDI fuel injection system with turbocharger and intercooler combination that offers efficient combustion and higher torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm.  This advanced diesel engine produces an impressive peak power of 74 bhp at 4000 rpm. The mileage offered by diesel variants is phenomenal at 23.4 kmpl.

Fourteen inch wheels with steel rims are used in the base and mid level variants while the top end petrol and diesel models are bestowed with 15 inch alloy wheels. The tyre size is noted to be 165/80R14 for the steel wheels and 185/65R15 for elegant alloy wheels. Five spoke wheels look cutting-edge. These cult alloy wheels have a new-age pinwheel style that expresses the oomph of Dzire.

Ventilated Disc brakes are used for front wheels and drum brakes are used for rear wheels. The ventilation lets the heat to be passed out while applying brakes and thus wear and tear of wheels is avoided. The front suspension is of Mc Pherson strut with coil spring and rear suspension is of torsion beam with coil spring same as Swift hatchback. Advanced braking techniques like EBD, ABS with Brake Assist, etc are used for providing excellent braking facility in new Maruti Swift Dzire. The gearbox is a smooth unit that is extremely apt for city driving and a boon for any city dweller. Gearshifts on the five-speed gearbox are said to be perfect. Even four speed automatic gearbox is butter smooth and makes the driver in love with car. This gearbox adapts to the changes in throttle inputs. Overall, the handling is very good on the car and engines are well refined with perfect driveability and handling. The new car provides an unforgettable drive each time you experience it.

Safety features are taken care of in Maruti’s new Swift Dzire. The sedan, though, have been crushed to come up with a compact version, but safety features are top-notch, usually not expected in an entry level mule. Front dual SRS airbags, ELR seatbelts, AntiLock Braking System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution and an Engine Drag Control system are the safety features that would be present in new Dzire models. ABS with Brake assist and EDC prevents skidding and ensures a minimum stopping even on the most slippery roads. Rigid body structure ensures cent percent safety and handling.

Integrated stereo with MP3 player on higher models is present. Nippon music system blends the music well in this new car. 4 dynamite speakers translate the music very well in the cabin along with 2 tweeters. Radio with CD player and USB adds practicality in this car.