After the launch of a bigger new Maruti Swift hatchback last August, it was only a matter of time before Maruti would offer a bigger new DZire. The outgoing model had quickly become India’s top selling saloon with monthly sales of about 9,000 units but it was facing increasingly stiff competition. While retaining a somewhat similar family shape a new model has a slightly longer (40 mm) wheelbase to provide much needed extra legroom for rear seat passengers. The back of the front seats are also slightly concave to provide just a little additional space. There is also a slightly more sloped rear backrest to give the feel of a slightly bigger car. The quest for more inner space has however resulted in a reduction in the boot space that will inconvenience some who want to transport a mountain of baggage.
While retaining the overall style of the old model it now has new wrap around headlights and taillights. It also sports classy two tone beige and black interiors with better quality black plastics with a chrome trim. It is claimed to offer 150 improvements large and small including a smart dashboard that offers easy controls for climate and music. The computerised multi-information display between the speedo and RPM counter tells you all that you want to know about speed, fuel, mileage, etc. There is also a convenient lane change indicator on the steering wheel and indicators on the outside wing mirrors. The design of the front bumper and airdam have also been changed to make it look a bit more sporty.
As with the Swift hatchback there is a new 1197 cc VVT K-Series 87 bhp petrol engine and a tweaked up 1248 cc 75 bhp diesel mill. The Variable Valve Timing adjusts the valves for slow and high speed driving to offer superior acceleration with better fuel efficiency at any engine speed. The turbocharged multi injection common rail diesel mill delivers high torque at low engine speeds for better acceleration and fuel efficiencies. Under ARAI test conditions the petrol and diesel models deliver 17.4 and 19.1 KMPL respectively. The new petrol model also offers an automatic version where the fuel consumption has been measured at 17.5 KMPL. With increasing traffic, many drivers want an automatic but are put off by the fear that the fuel consumption will be high. It is about nine per cent higher in the DZire but that is an acceptable sacrifice for reduced driving tension.
Maruti spokesmen reported that 80 per cent of the demand is now for diesel models so the showroom prices of the two petrol models were only `4.79 and 5.32 lakh while the three diesel models were priced between `5.80 and 7.09 lakh. The automatic model costs `6.54 lakh.