Maruti Suzuki Dzire Hatchback Review & Performance

There is no denying the fact that the Maruti Dzire has shaken the compact sedan segment in India by selling in such huge volumes which no other rival has been able to come close to. The Dzire is also one of the highest selling cars here and hence there is a lot of anticipation around the new generation. The looks have changed, the interiors have evolved and the driving dynamics are better. Let’s check out everything in detail. Get On Road Price of Dzire in Carzprice

EXTERIORS AND INTERIORS ;

The use of wooden finish add a bit of class to the overall cabin quality of the new Dzire. There are also AC vents now for the back row passengers and despite being a compact sedan you won’t mind getting a chauffeur for it. The new platform used on the Dzire also makes space for some extra legroom for the rear passengers. There is also plenty of shoulder room at the back and getting three people to sit on the back seat is no longer a squeeze. Despite more legroom, the boot space 378 litres is more than what you would need on a family sedan.

Now the biggest change on the new Dzire is how it looks from the outside. It now gets that fancy big grille up front just like its competition the Ford Figo Aspire. And the new eyes on the Dzire now has a shimmer to them thanks to the fancy looking DRL’s. The engine hood of the car in now much more flat and edgy and many would say it looks like a vintage design. We would say that Maruti has tried here to make it look classier with a modern aesthetic. Request test drive for Maruti Dzire in Cazprice

One look at the Dzire from the side and you still get that feeling that there is something incomplete there. But that’s with almost any compact sedan in the market right now. The rear is something that we didn’t fancy that much on the Dzire. The reason is simple here, it’s just flat. The bumper, the tail-lamp and the rear boot hood are all on one line. And there is no major separation for all the three parts. That means there is a huge probability of a low collision impact damaging all those three parts

PERFORMANCE ;

The new Dzire carries over the same two powertrains from the previous generation. So, it is the same 1,197cc VVT petrol engine and the 1,248cc DDiS diesel engine with their 5-speed manual gearboxes. The powertrains get changes to their calibration and the automated manual transmission (AMT) makes an appearance in the Dzire. The AMT which we have seen in smaller Marutis is still the same basic tech involving sensors and hydraulic shifters mounted on top of the manual gearbox. The AMT’s relatively unrefined shifting characteristic is also, unfortunately, a carry-over. Unlike a torque converter or continuously variable (CVT) auto transmissions, AMTs tend to have prominent shift shocks during heavy acceleration. But, the head nodding pull during up shifts eases up during cruising speeds. Kick downs to lower gears when I stomp the throttle for an overtake maneuver also tend to be less urgent, but at slower speeds there is a double shift down from overdrive gears. With a lot of low-end torque being available, the diesel AMT was easier to use overall. Buyers have to be aware that the AMT tech is oriented towards optimising mileage in city driving cycles and so there is a certain inevitable performance compromise.

The petrol engine in the Dzire produces a peak power of 61kW at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 113Nm at 4,200rpm. This is a quiet, refined engine with its performance being an ideal combination for all types of driving cycles, My personal preference would be the manual transmission for both the petrol and diesel engines, but with more and more buyers preferring AMTs Maruti is now offering three trim variants each with the automated gearbox. The Dzire’s diesel engine delivers 55kW of power and 190Nm of torque. Peak torque is available from 2,000rpm. This common rail direct injection engine’s familiar character means that driving it in a Maruti is somehow always more pleasurable than in any other brand’s cars. It does get a bit raucous at high revs, but if you are a driver that loves to be connected with the car, this engine will keep you amply engaged.

The Bridgestone Ecopia 185/65 tyres that my test mule came with were shod on 15-inch alloys. While these tyres helped keep road rush to a minimum in the cabin, their relatively thin contact patch on the road meant lesser confidence while taking fast corners. However, straight line stability has improved dramatically and the Dzire now cruises confidently even at speeds of upto 160kmph

SAFETY ;

The safety features on offer include dual airbags, ABS with EBD and even brake assist. There is also ISOFIX on all the variants, which makes it a good option to consider. The other features on offer include the front seat belt with pre-tensioners, immobilizer, force limiter, seat belt warning lamps. Key left warning and door open warning are a part of this list.

(VXi/VDi) In the V variant, the additional features are day and night adjustable IRVM, speed sensitive door locking and anti-theft security system. (ZXi/ZDi) Z offers reverse parking sensor, front fog lamps, rear defogger as additional features. (ZXi+/ZDi+)

The Z+ also offers some additional features too. There is reverse camera with guide that is an extra over the Z variant

DRIVING ;

If I were to rate the most significant high points of the new Dzire, its ride comfort would come a close second after its interior space; it’s that unbelievable. Three key areas show significant improvement – the damping, the steering steadiness and robustness while tackling bigger potholes. The additional weight of the diesel Dzire lets the suspension setup deal with road uncertainties with aplomb. The characteristic can be experienced at both low and high speeds, and it ups the plushness of the cabin. The steering is also steadier now in and maintains its centre position when going over rough patches without much driver effort, which builds the driver confidence. The third, and the most common of the complaints associated with Maruti cars – that of crashing into the potholes, has also been addressed. The Dzire goes over uneven surfaces and even bigger uncertainties without any harshness

The new Dzire is built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform which is more rigid than the one on which it was based before. Apart from it passing the crash tests, it also improves the stability. The Dzire feels more planted now than before at speeds closer to three digits. While the platform makes it stable, the steering starts to get lighter with an increase in speed and makes it a nervous handler. At low speeds, the same steering feels better weighed. Braking is one department that doesn’t see any improvement. The Dzire still lacks the initial bite, and speed sheds only when you press the B-pedal hard. So, while the Dzire maintains composure under hard braking, it’s still not confidence inspiring

VERDICT ;

We won’t be surprised if the Maruti Dzire goes on to become the largest selling car by overtaking the Alto. Maruti Suzuki has taken a good package and made it even better with the new generation and the Dzire comes across as a well-rounded compact sedan that excels at a lot of things. What really impressed us is how the company has moved ahead in its quality standards and how the car is loaded with so many features. The driving characteristics are also very good and both the engines are efficient too. The Maruti Dzire is an excellent buy for someone looking for a not-so-big sedan that offers a competitive package.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Hatchback Review & Performance

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire, traditionally a sedan, has been one of the most popular vehicles in the subcompact segment in India for several years. While Dzire as a sedan has made waves, there has been constant speculation about a possible hatchback version of the Dzire. As of now, the Dzire remains only a sedan in Maruti’s lineup, but the Swift and Baleno are often considered as its closest hatchback counterparts from the brand.

That being said, if you’re interested in a hatchback review and are considering the Maruti Suzuki Swift (which is sometimes seen as the Dzire’s “hatchback sibling”), here’s a detailed review of Swift for comparison. Otherwise, if you’re specifically looking for a hatchback with performance characteristics similar to Dzire, Swift might be the best option.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Hatchback Review & Performance

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is often considered a perfect blend of stylish design, fuel efficiency, and performance, making it a popular choice among urban commuters. Though it isn’t called a Dzire hatchback, it’s a worthy alternative due to its similar engine options and compact size.

Design & Exterior

• Bold & Dynamic Styling: The Swift has a sporty and energetic design that appeals to a younger audience. With its sharp lines, sleek roofline, and a new, aggressive front grille, the Swift has evolved to become more modern and appealing.

• Dimensions: The Swift is compact yet spacious, offering good cabin space without being overly large, making it ideal for city driving.

• Color Options: The Swift comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including Red, Blue, White, and Silver, giving you plenty of choices to match your style.

Interior & Comfort

• Cabin Design: The Swift features a well-designed interior with good ergonomics. The dashboard is simple but stylish, with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Seating Comfort: The seats are comfortable and supportive, with a focus on providing ample legroom for the front and rear passengers. The rear seats, however, may feel a little tight for taller passengers.

• Boot Space: The boot space is decent for a compact hatchback, offering around 268 liters, which should be sufficient for weekend trips or daily commuting.

Performance & Driving Experience

• Engine Options:

  • 1.2-liter Dualjet Petrol Engine (91 PS / 113 Nm of torque): The Swift’s engine is powerful enough to handle daily city commutes and highway drives. It delivers a balanced mix of performance and fuel efficiency.

  • 1.2-liter Petrol Engine (83 PS / 113 Nm of torque): The older variant offers a slightly less powerful engine but is still quite efficient.

• Transmission Options: The Swift comes with both a 5-speed manual transmission and an AMT (Auto Gear Shift) option, making it versatile for different driving preferences.

• Fuel Efficiency: One of the strongest points of the Swift is its fuel economy. The Dualjet engine variant delivers around 23-24 km/l (depending on driving conditions), making it one of the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks in its segment.

Ride & Handling

• Suspension: The Swift is equipped with MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a smooth and balanced ride. The car is also well-suited for urban roads and light off-road conditions.

• Handling: With light steering, the Swift feels agile and responsive, making it ideal for city driving and tight parking spaces. It’s also stable at higher speeds, offering a comfortable driving experience.

• Noise Insulation: The cabin is relatively well-insulated, but road noise can creep in at high speeds.

Safety Features

• Airbags: Dual front airbags are standard in the Swift, and higher trims offer side and curtain airbags for additional safety.

• ABS with EBD: The Swift comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), improving braking performance, especially in emergency situations.

• Rear Parking Sensors: Standard in most variants, helping ease parking in tight spaces.

• Reverse Camera: Available in higher trims, which helps with parking and reversing.

Technology & Features

• Infotainment: The 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece of the Swift’s cabin, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

• Climate Control: Automatic climate control is available in the higher trims, ensuring comfort in different weather conditions.

• Push-button Start/Stop: A modern convenience available in higher trims for quick access to the car without the need to remove the keys from your pocket or bag.

Variants & Pricing

• Variants: The Swift comes in several trims: LXI, VXI, ZXI, and ZXI+, with options for manual and AMT gearboxes.

• Price: The price of the Maruti Suzuki Swift starts from around ₹5.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and can go up to ₹8.99 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant.

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Swift is extremely fuel-efficient, which is one of its most important selling points.

• Compact & Easy to Maneuver: Its compact size and light steering make it easy to navigate through traffic and tight spaces.

• Modern Features: It comes equipped with modern tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

• Value for Money: Offers a lot of features for the price point, making it one of the most value-for-money hatchbacks in the market.

Cons:

• Limited Rear Space: While the Swift is comfortable in the front, the rear seats may not be spacious enough for taller passengers on long trips.

• Suspension: On rough roads, the ride quality can feel a bit stiff.

• Price in Higher Trims: The top-end variants with features like automatic transmission, touchscreen, etc., are on the higher end of the price spectrum.

Conclusion

While Maruti Suzuki Dzire remains a sedan and doesn’t come in a hatchback version, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is an excellent alternative for those looking for a similar performance, fuel efficiency, and compact design. The Swift offers a sporty design, great handling, and excellent fuel economy—ideal for daily city commuting. Whether you choose the manual or the AMT variant, the Swift ensures a fun and efficient driving experience, making it one of the most popular hatchbacks in India.