Introduction: The Legend of the Dzire
If you’re an Indian, chances are you’ve sat in a Dzire at least once in your life. Maybe it was your Uber, maybe it was your uncle’s pride and joy, or maybe your neighbor wouldn’t stop bragging about his EMI-friendly purchase. Either way, the Dzire is practically the national sedan of India. With over 27 lakh units sold since its launch in 2008, this compact sedan has been a staple of Indian roads, second only to potholes and overenthusiastic bikers.
It is available in both petrol and CNG variants, with prices starting at ₹6.79 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to ₹10.14 lakh for the top model.
Now, in 2024, the 4th generation Dzire is here, and it’s promising sleek looks, more fuel efficiency, and just enough tech to keep your passengers from complaining on long drives. But does it really deliver on the “Dzire” part, or is it just a Swift with extra luggage space? Let’s find out.
Exterior: Still a Swift Sedan or a Mini C-Class?
Maruti insists on calling this a “progressive sleek design,” which is just a fancy way of saying, “We stretched the Swift and added a big chrome grille.” Speaking of chrome, Maruti Suzuki has made sure there’s enough shiny stuff on this car to keep your neighbor’s uncle staring at it for hours.
- Front End: Automatic LED Crystal Vision Headlamps with DRLs? Check. Follow-Me-Home and Lead-Me-to-Vehicle functions? Check. More chrome than necessary? Double-check.
- Rear End: 3D Trinity LED Tail Lamps and an Aero Boot Lip Spoiler—because nothing says ‘sporty’ like a subcompact sedan with a 1.2L engine.
- Wheels: Fancy 15-inch Precision Cut Alloy Wheels (or if you prefer, budget-friendly 14-inch steel wheels because Maruti knows affordability is king).
- Color Options: From the dramatic Gallant Red to the forever-common Silver and White, Maruti has a shade for every budget and personality.
Despite all the fancy terms, it’s still unmistakably a Dzire. It’s less of a head-turner and more of a practical “Yes, I have a sedan” statement.
Interior: A Small Room with a Big Dashboard
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice… a lot of plastic. But hey, it’s well-finished plastic! The Dzire’s interior is all about function over form, with a few fancy touches to keep things modern.
- Infotainment: A 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen (7 inches in lower variants) with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Alexa connectivity, and even a “Hi Suzuki” voice assistant that may or may not understand your accent.
- Music System: Arkamys 6-speaker Surround Sound—because your car should sound better than your bathroom karaoke sessions.
- Comfort Features: Automatic Climate Control, Wireless Charger, Footwell Lighting, and even an Electric Sunroof (yes, an actual sunroof in a Dzire!)
- Practicality: 382L boot space—big enough for your in-laws’ shopping, but don’t expect to fit an entire family’s luggage for a Goa trip.
The Dzire doesn’t try to be luxurious; it tries to be comfortable and reliable, like that old sweater you refuse to throw away.
Performance: More Efficient Than Exciting
Now, let’s talk about what really powers this machine—the same 1.2L Suzuki Z12E engine from the Swift.
- Petrol Engine: 1.2L, 3-cylinder, 80 hp, 111 Nm torque
- CNG Engine: 1.2L, 3-cylinder, 68 hp, 101 Nm torque (for the eco-conscious wallet warriors)
- Transmission Options: 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (because Maruti still isn’t fully convinced about CVTs or proper automatics)
- Mileage: 25 kmpl (AMT), 24 kmpl (Manual), and 33 km/kg (CNG)—which is basically Maruti saying, “We know you love mileage more than power.”
- Fuel Tank: 37L for petrol, 55L CNG tank for those who really, really want savings.
The driving experience is predictable—light steering, soft suspension, and an engine that won’t win races but will happily sip fuel like a chai-loving uncle.
Safety: More Than Just a Metal Box Now
Maruti has taken safety more seriously this time (about time, right?). The Dzire now gets a full 5-star rating in Global NCAP! That means you can finally drive on Indian roads without praying before every trip.
- Airbags: 6 airbags (driver, passenger, and curtain)
- Brakes: Front Disc, Rear Drum (Maruti still believes rear discs are for the elite)
- Safety Tech: ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, Reverse Parking Sensors, and even a 360-degree camera (for those who struggle with parallel parking)
- Other Features: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Anti-Theft Security, Seat Belt Reminder, High-Speed Warning Alert, and Speed-Sensitive Auto Door Lock.
It may not be a Volvo, but at least Maruti finally decided that safety matters.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Dzire?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient, practical, and slightly more premium alternative to the Swift, the Dzire makes perfect sense. It’s not going to thrill you like a sports car, but it will run for years without giving you unnecessary maintenance headaches.
Pros:
✔️ Best-in-class mileage (your wallet will love it) ✔️ Comfortable and spacious for a subcompact sedan ✔️ Loaded with features (finally, a Dzire with a sunroof!) ✔️ 5-star NCAP safety rating (you can relax a little now) ✔️ Affordable and easy to maintain
Cons:
❌ Same old 1.2L engine (fun is not in the vocabulary) ❌ Plastic-heavy interior (but hey, it won’t rust!) ❌ AMT gearbox still not the smoothest ❌ Swift-like looks (so much so that some people might just call it “Swift with a boot”)
Final Score: 8.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If your “dzire” is a fuel-efficient, practical, and comfortable sedan, this is the best bet in its price range. If you were hoping for a mini BMW experience, well… you might want to keep saving.
But hey, it still beats taking an autorickshaw every day!
