Maruti Suzuki 2017 Dzire: Smooth transition

Powered by same engine the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire sets itself apart with refreshing design

The new third generation Dzire from Maruti Suzuki has been redesigned significantly and is much more contemporary in its looks than its predecessors. This sedan’s facade sports angular projector headlamps and chrome surrounded four-slat polygonal grille. An arched hood adds a touch of macho appeal. The headlamps also get LED daytime running lamps, or DRLs.
 
The roof line and belt line gives the side profile a refreshing look. In the rear, a solid chrome bar accentuates the mid-section of the boot lid and LED tail lamps. The Dzire also gets eight dual-fin 15-inch alloys housed in 185/65 tubeless tyres.
 
The interiors resonate sophistication. A dual-tone beige and black format makes for a crisp and symmetrical layout in the cabin. The infotainment setup is slightly biased towards the driver and is ergonomically fit. The front section of the cabin sports burl wood ornamentation on the dashboard and the door trims, giving the sedan a never  before up-market feel.
 
The Dzire’s infotainment system is enabled with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link with connectivity options for Bluetooth, AUX and USB. Loaded with features, the car comes with rear parking sensors and camera, automatic headlamps, push button start/stop, keyless entry, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, electronically adjustable and retractable rear view mirrors and 12V power sockets in the front and the rear. The seats spell comfort.
 
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire has been built on Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform, which is lighter and has a slightly rigid chassis. The car is powered by the same engine as its predecessor. On offer is a 1.2L, 4-cylinder, VVT petrol engine and a 1.3L, 4-cylinder, DDiS diesel engine. The powerplants have been offered with options of a 5-speed AMT and a 5-speed manual.
 
The 1.2L petrol engine mated to 5-speed manual transmission is impressive. The rev-happy nature of this engine proves to be quite thrilling on short sprints. The same engine when mated to the 5-speed AMT also gives a spirited drive. The 1.3L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel on the other hand is punchy in its mannerisms. The turbo spool in the new variant is more subtle and the power delivery feels smoother.
 
The suspension is slightly on the softer side and the vehicle rolls over bad roads rather easily.  Maruti has dropped the vehicle’s ground clearance to 163mm, but that does not affect its performance. I did not find a single instance of it bottoming out. The new Dzire comes with auto braking system, emergency braking, dual front airbags and ISOFIX mounts as standard.

Maruti Suzuki 2017 Dzire (petrol)

Engine: 1197cc, 4-cylinder VVT

Torque: 113Nm@4,200rpm Power: 81.8bhp@6,000rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual/automatic (AMT)

Fuel Efficiency: 22 kmpl

Price: Rs 7.94 lakh  

(Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Reports: Motown India; www.motownindia.com