After close to 1.4 million Dzire’s sold, the country’s largest carmaker Maruti-Suzuki is introducing the third-generation of the compact sedan in India next month. The Dzire is the most popular vehicle in its category, selling 190,000 units last fiscal and had a 50 per cent marketshare in a segment that includes the Hyundai Xcent, Ford Figo Aspire and Honda Amaze. Speaking to the media ahead of the launch of the vehicle, RS Kalsi, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Maruti-Suzuki India explained that the third-generation of the vehicle was going to enhance the appeal of the vehicle. “This is an all-new design, which is why we also dropped the ‘Swift’ moniker from the name, this car has design improvements and now feels like a proper sedan.”
According to C.V Raman, Executive Director, Engineering, the new Dzire will have several improvements over the outgoing model. “The car is crucially 40mm wider than the outgoing model, this means enhanced front and rear shoulder room. We have also positioned the seats a bit lower and increased the wheelbase while reducing the overhangs. This brings a marked improvement in rear legroom as well as bigger boot.” Using Suzuki’s new small-car platform with high-tensile steel, the new Dzire is also significantly lighter than the outgoing model which according to maruti will reflect on improved fuel economy. However, there will be no change in the engine options on the car, but the carmaker will offer automated manual transmission options on the vehicle. Additionally, Maruti will also continue their new focus on safety by offering Anti-lock Brakes and front airbags as standard on all variants.
As the Dzire is extremely popular with commercial vehicle operators, Kalsi pointed out that the outgoing second-generation of the Dzire will be continued as the ‘Dzire Tour’ for taxi operators.