2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch updates: What are the design changes on the outside?
While proportions of the latest Dzire is almost identical to the previous version, it looks significantly different.
Key updates:
- Wider grille
- Flatter bonnet
- Updated front and tail light units with DRLs on the former
- New alloy design on the 15-inch wheels
- Lip spoiler on the trunk
- Shark-fin antenna
- Seven colour options with three new shades – Blue, Red and Brown
Did you know? 2024 Dzire becomes first Maruti model to score perfect marks in Global NCAP crash tests
Watch: Which are the safest sedans in India?
What is the sedan market of India like today?
Sedans in the mass-market segment have taken a beating in recent years. This is especially true for mid-size sedans where the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia compete. But even in the sub-compact sedan segment, the only two players of note are the Dzire and Amaze from Honda. While Dzire has a solid run-rate of around 15,000 units sold on a monthly average, others like Hyundai Aura and Tata Tigor are fringe players. Still others like Volkswagen Ameo and Toyota Etios have folded and faded away.
One major reason for this has been the growing preference for crossover SUVs and entry-level SUVs like Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger or even the likes of Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Priced on similar lines as traditional sub-compact sedans, these models have grabbed the spotlight or at least taken a chunk of the limelight away.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch updates: What is the mileage of the new Dzire?
Maruti Suzuki Dzire now says it has an ARAI-certified mileage of 24.79 kmpl on the manual transmission variants while it is 25.71 kmpl on the versions with automatic transmission.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch updates: Watch the starry highlights of the new Dzire
There are plenty of changes on the latest Maruti Dzire. Check this video for a more extensive look…
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch updates: What are the dimensions of Dzire?
The fourth-generation Dzire measures nearly the same as the outgoing model. The 2024 Dzire is 3,995 mm in length, 1,735 mm wide and marginally taller at 1,525 mm as against 1,515 mm of the erstwhile model. The wheelbase is at 2,450 mm and the model has a ground clearance of 163 mm.
The incoming Dzire has a boot space of 327 litres which is three litres more than the third-gen Dzire.
When compared to the current Honda Amaze, the latest Dzire is wider and taller although the overall length is the same. Do note though that the Amaze will also get an updated version next month.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch updates: What is the engine option on Dzire?
The latest Dzire from Maruti Suzuki gets the Z-Series 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol motor under its hood. This is a new engine from the model but the same that was plonked on the newest Swift earlier this year.
On the Dzire, the engine has an output of 81 bhp and torque of 112 Nm.
There will also be a CNG option (S-CNG, as Maruti Suzuki calls it) on the Dzire but much like how it was on the Swift, this will come out at a later date.
What’s the big deal about the fourth-generation Dzire?
The Dzire in its latest form factor is a complete departure from the Swift hatchback. While the ‘Swift’ name was previously dropped, it is for the first time that the sedan looks entirely different from its smaller sibling.
The engine option is shared and so are many of the cabin features. But the Dzire now looks like an entirely separate model.
Third-generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire touches down
Yes, the ‘Swift’ name was finally taken off to position the Dzire as an entirely separate product and the third-generation version was officially launched in 2017. The Dzire was launched at a base price of ₹5.50 lakh with the top variant at ₹9.40 lakh.
The Dzire was now far more sharper in terms of its exterior styling elements and also packed in more features. The diesel engine option was still continuing at the time and there was also the option to choose the Automatic Gear Shift or AGS option.
By the time this version was launched, Maruti Suzuki had sold nearly 14 lakh units of the Dzire, underlining the success story of the model.
When was the second-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire launched?
The first major update to the Swift Dzire took place in 2012. The sedan’s exterior design was changed significantly with the rounded profile making way for a more upright rear. It was therefore 165 mm shorter as well.
The second-generation Swift Dzire was launched at a base price of ₹4.80 lakh and the top diesel variant was at ₹7.09 lakh (introductory and ex-showroom).
At the time, the Swift Dzire was competing against models like Tata Indigo eCS, Toyota Etios and Mahindra Verito.
Dzire vs SX4 – Why did one work and the other didn’t?
At the time when the Dzire was first launched, Maruti Suzuki also offered the SX4 which had been around since a year earlier. Now while the SX4 was relatively popular too, it never reached the highs of the Swift Dzire. A key reason for this is that the SX4 was more premium than the Dzire and had a more capable 1.6-litre motor under the hood but at a higher price point as well.
The pace of updates on the SX4 was also not quick enough which meant that by the years 2011 and 2012, it had started looking dated.
The SX4 was competing against the likes of Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento by 2013 when it was finally discontinued and replaced with the Ciaz. The Verna at least was a formidable rival that required a heavyweight like Ciaz, not SX4.
At present, Ciaz remains in the market and still is a segment above the Dzire.
The great Swift vs Swift Dzire debate!
During its initial run in the Indian car market, there were often questions raised about why one would select the Swift Dzire sedan at a slightly higher price point over the Swift hatchback. “They look the same,” many said. “It is just the Swift with a third section,” said a few others. Well, all true but the Swift Dzire was seen as a viable option for families while the Swift was primarily for a younger car-buying audience. Why won’t you want to pack in all that you can in the boot of the Dzire?
The Swift hatchback at the time had a prcing structure which began at around ₹4 lakhs and maxed out at approximately ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom). It was nimble on its feet and peppy enough. But the Dzire was also liked for its comfortable drive character while being larger in proportions. “Millions of Indians own a compact car. With growing incomes and better lifestyles, many of them want to upgrade to a sedan. But today, there are not able to find an entry-level sedan that offers style, features and performance,” S Nakanishi, Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director in 2008 had said at the launch. “The Dzire offers all this and at an attractive price.”
Frankly, the two models never really ate into each other’s market share much.
Quick recap of Dzire launch in 2008
Back almost two decades ago, 16 years to be precise, the Indian car market was a very different battlefield from what it is today. SUV was still an elite body style and compact cars ruled the roads with an air of arrogance. Small cars were practical, affordable and frugal. In came Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire to be all of these, and more. And yes, it was the Swift Dzire back then.
The Swift Dzire was launched in 2008 at a base price of ₹5.45 lakh and went up to ₹7 lakh (ex-showroom). The first-generation model, as well as the subsequent generation versions, were seen as a Swift with an added section for the boot. And it really was. But it clicked with potential buyers and the Dzire began to gradually find favour in the Maruti Suzuki portfolio.
At the time of course, the sedan was offered with both petrol as well as diesel motor. There was only a manual transmission on offer and no CNG kit. There were six variants and over a dozen colours to choose from.
Good morning and welcome to the launch of 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire
Car models come and go but certain models are timeless. And if ageing like fine wine is an art, Maruti Suzuki Dzire is quite an artist that paints a stunning self-portrait in its fourth-generation form factor. With over 27 lakh units on Indian roads, one would imagine the Dzire is past its prime. But is it? Stay with us for the launch of the all-new Dzire for the absolute latest from the updated model including, of course, the all-important pricing structure.
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