All-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire unveiled in India

After dropping a teaser image of the all-new Dzire on April 21, Maruti Suzuki revealed the third generation model of its popular entry-level sedan to a select batch of motoring journalists. OVERDRIVE representatives present at the unveiling have learnt that the all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire will be launched in India on May 16, 2017.

The Maruti Dzire now wears a more premium design inside-out. Though based on the all-new Swift which bows into India next year, elements like the bold grille, the detailing of the headlights, the design of the alloy wheels and the chrome garnish help it establish a familial connection with the Ciaz. The new Dzire boasts a longer wheelbase, a larger boot, a 20mm wider body and a 40mm shorter height. At 3995mm in length, the Dzire still remains a sub-four-metre sedan, but the premium touches should help it set itself apart from the growing competition - which now includes the updated Xcent, the sportier Aspire S and the new Tigor.

The cabin of the new Dzire mimics that of the new Swift in its layout and driver-centric centre console, however the colors have been optimised to impart a roomier feel that is fit for a sedan. Like the outgoing Dzire, the new one too gets a black and beige treatment with faux wood inserts in the steering wheel and dashboard fascia. Maruti Suzuki also tell us that the seating is optimised for a more comfortable ergonomics fit for a sedan - but more on that with a test. A new two-pot instrumentation, a flat bottom steering wheel and new switchgear like the one seen in the Ignis are the other notable elements inside the new Dzire's cabin.

The third-generation Dzire, expectedly, gets a range of new features and creature comforts too. The most noteworthy inclusions are automatic LED projector headlamps, LED taillights, LED daytime running lamps, rear AC vents and a touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror-link compatibility.

The all-new Dzire gets anti-lock brakes (ABS) and driver and front passenger airbags as standard equipment across the range. The Dzire is also designed to comply with new pedestrian safety and side, frontal and frontal offset impact safety regulations. The rear seats also get ISOFIX points for securely mounting child seats.

The new Dzire is based on the fifth generation of Suzuki's B-platform. Called the 'Heartect', the new platform claims to be lighter, more rigid and stronger than its outgoing counterpart. These credentials come courtesy of ultra high tensile steels used in the construction of the chassis and body elements. The same platform underpins the all-new Swift too, but unlike the hatchback which uses newer engines including the Boosterjet, the Dzire continues to use the familiar 1.2l naturally aspirated K-series petrol and the 1.3l DDiS turbodiesel motors as its engine options. Both will be available with a choice of manual or automated manual transmissions (AMT or AGS in Maruti Suzuki speak). The latter will be available on all but the base trim.

Speaking of which, the all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire will be available in four trim levels - LXi/LDi, VXi/VDi, ZXi/ZDi and ZXi+/ZDi+. We expect most of the funky equipment like LED lamps, touchscreen infotainment and automatic climate control to be available on the ZXi+/ZDi+ trims only.  The all-new Maruti Suzuki Dzire won't be a Nexa offering and will therefore be sold through the regular Maruti Suzuki dealerships. It will co-exist with the current Dzire which has now been rechristened as the new Dzire Tour. We will have more info on the variant-wise pricing and positioning of the new Dzire from the launch which is scheduled for May 16. Stay tuned for all the details.

Here's our walk-around video:

More from OVERDRIVE on the new Maruti Dzire

New Maruti Dzire to be launched in India on May 16, 2017

Maruti Dzire image gallery