Difference between old and new Maruti Dzire

Lijo Mathai Updated: May 25, 2017, 02:53 PM IST

So after all the wait, Maruti is out with its all-new Dzire. As we had said a few months ago, the all-new Dzire has debuted in the country first before the Swift makes it to the showroom. The segment that the Swift operates in isn't really generating as much interest as say the compact sedan space. Within a span of a year, almost four new models have made their way to the showroom. And each one of them has an even more comprehensive feature list.

But with this all-new Dzire, Maruti Suzuki have outdone themselves. The car not only looks fresh (credit must be given to Maruti designers as each iteration of the Dzire has looked different than the other) but also brings a lot more character to the Dzire nameplate. Which reminds me that Maruti have removed the Swift moniker from the vehicle. This means the Dzire will have an identity of its own and not piggyback on the Swift for its sales. But how much has Maruti changed vis-a-vis the old Dzire? Scroll down.

Platform

Here is how the old and new platforms of the Dzire stack up. The one on the left is the new platform

There is nearly a 105kg difference between the old and new Dzire diesel models. The new one is based off the lightweight Heartect platform that also underpins the new Baleno as well as the Ignis. This platform however has been modified for use in the Dzire. What does that mean for you as a customer? Higher rigidity to the structure which in turn ensures that it has maximum crash worthiness. Being lighter also means it has less dead weight to carry around and hence higher fuel efficiency. Maruti claims to have crash tested the new Dzire for frontal offset as well as pedestrian safety. The lower kerb weight means that the performance too will have marginally improved.

Space

New Maruti Dzire

Haven't we criticised the older Dzire for its lack of space? Well, the new Dzire looks set to offer a slight reprieve on that count by offering nearly 50mm more kneeroom. The rear window line also seems to be a bit lower than before, thereby not giving you the cooped in feeling. This though will be confirmed during the time of the road test. Boot space too has increased by a good 60 litres. This means more luggage carrying capacity. The car now sits 7mm lower than before at 163mm and rides on 15-inch wheels like before. It is also wider by 20mm and wheelbase too has increased by 20mm

Features

Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2017 (13)

The previous Dzire wasn't lacking on features. However, this one definitely takes the fight to the competition. There is a reverse parking camera with sensors, touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink compatibility, rear AC vent and climate control. ABS as well as dual airbags come standard across the range, something which is becoming a norm now with most of Maruti products these days.

Engines

Well, on the face of it, nothing has changed. Both the engines have been carried over from the previous car. The 84.3PS/115Nm 1.2-litre petrol has variable valve timing and is mated to a 5-speed manual. The diesel in the meanwhile is the decade-old Fiat-derived motor that makes 75PS/190Nm 4-pot unit. Both the engines can be ordered with a 5-speed manual or AMT, save for the base variants (LXi/LDi) which have to make do with the stick shift. Maruti however says that these engines and transmissions have been recalibrated for better fuel efficiency as well as to ensure a more driveable nature in town. We all have experienced the Multijet motor before and it does become a tad cumbersome to drive around in traffic with that turbolag. Hopefully Maruti would have worked on that one a tad more than the petrol.

We don't have any of the improved efficiency numbers to quote at the moment, but expect around 1kmpl increase for both the engines. Did I also mention that the low rolling Ecopia tyres from Bridgestone have been specifically introduced in the Dzire to enhance its fuel efficiency. There is no SHVS technology from the Ciaz and the Ertiga here and neither is there the Dualjet or Boosterjet engine from the international-spec Swift.

Price

Well, the older Swift Dzire is now relegated to doing Tour duties and is priced at Rs 5.23 lakh ex-Delhi. This means, the new Tour will be priced at around Rs 5.50 lakh ex-Delhi. It will compete with the Tata Tigor, Hyundai Xcent and Volkswagen Ameo at this price. How good is it on paper against these rivals? We will have the spec comparison out here soon.

Dzireold-vs-2017dzire