Review: 2017 Maruti Suzuki DZire VXi


15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi


Introduction

The Maruti Suzuki DZire (earlier known as Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire) is a subcompact sedan that has been developed as an extension of the Swift hatchback. Maruti Suzuki launched the third-generation Dzire in India on May 16, 2017. It is based on the fourth-gen Swift but, for the first time ever, it drops the Swift badge from its name.The second-gen Dzire will still be in production and will be sold exclusively to fleet operators, while being rebadged as the next generation Swift DZire Tour. The 2017 Maruti DZire is based on the 5th gen HEARTECT lightweight platform derived from the Maruti Baleno and the fourth-gen Swift. This platform uses Ultra-high tensile and high tensile steel in its construction, so as to not comprise on structural rigidity. Despite being lighter, Maruti claims that the new Dzire is compliant with frontal and side impact regulations, as well as meets pedestrian safety regulations. The car is also wider and offers increased space for the occupant. Maruti claims that the fourth-gen DZire has better rear legroom, and more boot space as compared to the previous model. The next generation DZire was launched for sale in May of 2017 in India. It will rival the recently launched Hyundai Xcent facelift, Tata Tigor, Tata Zest, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and VW Ameo.

Heritage

The compact sedan was introduced in India back in 2008. The first generation Swift was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus. Outside Japan, the "Suzuki Ignis" name was used. Both three- and five-door hatchback body styles were offered, although the three-door was not offered as part of the regular lineup in Japan. In 2001, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Cruze—a crossover SUV based on the Swift, retaining the original car's basic dimensions and power plants. The Cruze was restyled, adopting a crossover look between a tall hatchback and a sport utility vehicle, and the three-door body was dropped. The "Chevrolet Cruze" commercial designation was used in Japan, while in Australia the car was sold as the "Holden Cruze" from 2002 to 2006. The second generation Swift debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004. The design of the new Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. This generation of the Swift marked a significant departure with the previous Cultus-based models, with Suzuki redesigning the vehicle as less of a "low price alternative" subcompact and more of a "sporty" subcompact. The Swift's design and driving characteristics focused on the European market with its chassis refined through a road-testing program across Europe. The Maruti Suzuki Swift was launched in India in May 2005 with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. Later, in early 2007, Maruti introduced the Swift with a Fiat-sourced 1.3 L DDiS engine. In 2010, due to the new BS IV emission norms, Maruti replaced the 1.3 L diesel engine with a 1.2 L K-series engine. In August 2011, Maruti launched the all-new third-generation Swift, with 1.2 L K-series petrol and 1.3 L DDiS engines. Hence Maruti Suzuki Swift design is derived from the previous Suzuki Swift which was already in the foreign market. At Present, Maruti Suzuki Swift is at the top of the most selling used cars in India. Maruti Suzuki later launched the midlife facelift of Swift on 28 October 2014. The facelift comes with both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. The manufacturer also includes a new variant called LXI (O) and introduced three new colours namely Mysterious Violet, Fire Red and Granite Gray. Maruti Suzuki in India launched the second generation of its sedan Maruti Suzuki DZire (known as DZire as of 2012), which is based on the third-generation Swift on 1 February 2012. Unlike the previous generation, it is a compact sedan under 4000 mm. It shares its engines with the hatchback. Like the previous car, changes to the suspension have been made. It also has two-tone beige and black interiors, unlike the hatchback's all-black interiors. The new version of Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire was launched in Feb 2015 which was a refined version of the existing model. The vehicle was rated as the most fuel efficient diesel car in the country. Maruti Suzuki has also created an automatic transmission variant of the DZire, available in the VXi trim.

Specifications

Steering and Transmission
Steering Type Electric Assist, Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Transmission Type 5 Speed Manual
Wheels and Tires
Front Wheel Type 14 inch steel wheels with 7 twin spoke wheel caps
Rear Wheel Type 14 inch steel wheels with 7 twin spoke wheel caps
Front Tire Type 165/80R14
Rear Tire Type 165/80R14
Front Brake Type Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type Drum
Suspension
Front Suspension Type MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type Torsion Beam
Suspension Features Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbers
Dimensions
Length (in, mm) 157.3in, 3995mm
Width (in, mm) 68.3in, 1735mm
Height (in, mm) 59.7in, 1515mm/td>
Wheelbase (in, mm) 96.5in, 2450mm
Weight (lb, kg) 1940lb, 880kg
Engine Specifications
Engine Type 1.2 litre 16 valve petrol inline 4 cylinder
Power (bhp, PS, kW) 82bhp, 83PS, 61kW @ 6000RPM
Torque (lb-ft, Nm) 83lb-ft, 113Nm @ 4200RPM
0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) 12.2 seconds
Top Speed (mph, kmph) 107 mph, 172 kmph
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) 9.8 gallons, 37L
Fuel Type (AKI, RON) 87 Octane/AKI Petrol (92 RON)
City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) 47mpg, 20kmpL
City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) 52mpg, 22kmpL
Cargo Specifications
Cargo Space (ft3, L) 13.4ft3, 378L
Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) 13.4ft3, 378L