When you hear “Maruti Suzuki,” you probably think affordability, simplicity, and that feeling that this car will get you where you’re going—maybe not luxuriously, but reliably. Maruti has a solid reputation for making cars that don’t break the bank and don’t break down. But now, with the new Dzire, priced around ₹12 lakh on-road in Mumbai, Maruti is edging into pricier territory. So, let’s dive in and see if it’s worth the hype or if Maruti has, you know, bitten off more than it can chew.
First Look: Whoa, Maruti’s Got Style Now?
So, right off the bat, the new Dzire actually looks nice. This is Maruti, and we don’t exactly think “sleek” when we think Maruti, do we? Models like the Alto and the S-Presso aren’t exactly, well, design icons. But the Dzire is different. It’s got this big, fancy front grille, LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and even projector LEDs for the fog lamps. It’s all a bit posh, honestly, and Maruti really seems to want to change how we see it.
Side Profile and Rear View: It’s All in the Details
Along the side, you’ve got these 15-inch wheels, not tiny but not exactly sporty either, and a ground clearance of 163mm – good enough for our roads. They’ve even thrown in a 360-degree camera on the mirror and a sunroof. And let’s be real, for Maruti, that’s a big deal! Around the back, the Dzire’s got an integrated spoiler and well-styled tail lamps, which round out the “classy sedan” look Maruti’s going for here.
Safety: Hey, Look, a Five-Star Rating!
Here’s a surprise: the Dzire has finally achieved a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP. Maruti cars on their Heartech platform – yes, looking at you, Swift and Baleno – have had some rough reviews in the past. But this one’s finally come through. This is Maruti’s first five-star safety rating on this platform, which is huge for those of us who’ve been a bit worried about Maruti’s safety.
But…the Boot Situation?
Maruti hasn’t entirely ironed out the quirks. For instance, the boot doesn’t just open when you unlock the car. Nope, you’ll need to use the key or pop it from the inside. Once it’s open, you see that it’s a decent-sized boot, but then there are exposed bits of wiring and other details that remind you – oh right, it’s still a Maruti.
Under the Hood: Three-Cylinder Engine (Yep, That Means Vibrations)
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Instead of the four-cylinder engines we’re used to, Maruti’s popped a three-cylinder in this model. For those of you not in the know, three-cylinder engines often mean you’re going to feel some extra vibrations. And yep, the Dzire’s got them – you’ll feel them on the steering wheel, the doors, especially when it’s idling. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s noticeable.
Performance-wise, it’s okay. This is a 1.2-litre engine, and Maruti’s tuned it for good fuel efficiency – as usual. But if you’re into power and speed, don’t expect a thrill ride. The engine’s decent for day-to-day driving, but if you’re trying to zip around, this isn’t really the car for that.
Driving Experience: Good for City, Eh for the Highway
In the city, the Dzire is actually a breeze to drive. The clutch is light, the gear shifts are smooth – it’s easy to maneuver in traffic. But here’s the thing: under 1500 RPM, it just doesn’t pull as much as you’d want it to. So, it feels like you have to coax it a bit to pick up speed. Not exactly thrilling.
At low speeds, it’s a tad bouncy. Not a huge issue if you’re doing short trips or just heading to work and back. Once you’re on the highway, it does smooth out, so at least long drives aren’t a total pain. But this isn’t the car to take on a road trip across the country – you’ll feel every bump and pothole.
Inside the Dzire: Hits and Misses
Alright, stepping inside, the Dzire feels comfortable, no doubt. Maruti’s put some effort here, but there are a few “why did they skimp on that?” moments. The fit and finish are nice, and while the door panels don’t scream luxury, the center console does have a polished look. The seats are comfy, though a bit on the softer side. So, while it’s great for short trips, you might find yourself adjusting every so often on longer drives.
The Dzire’s loaded with features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls, and a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You’ve even got a 360-degree camera, wireless charging pad, and sunroof. But then they left out stuff like an auto day-night IRVM and an armrest for the front seats, which at this price feels like a bit of a letdown.
Rear Seat: Roomy Enough but Not Exactly Plush
Moving to the rear seat, you get decent knee room, but it’s not a luxurious back seat by any means. If you’re over six feet tall, you might feel the pinch on headroom, and the thigh support isn’t great for long rides. They did put in rear AC vents, which helps, especially in Indian summers, so that’s a plus.
The Price Tag: Worth It?
So, here’s where it gets tricky. The Dzire’s now priced around ₹12 lakh on-road in Mumbai, putting it up against the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Aura, and Tata Tigor – even Maruti’s own Baleno is close in price! For ₹12 lakh, you might be expecting a little more. I mean, the Baleno gives you a four-cylinder engine, better rear seat space, and extra features like a heads-up display.
The Final Word: Is It Really a “Dzire”able Choice?
So, does this new Dzire really live up to the hype? If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable car with decent safety features, and you’ll mostly be driving around the city – the Dzire’s definitely an option to consider. It’s Maruti’s most premium sedan yet, and it’s got some nice features to show for it.
But if you’re after an engine with real power, long-term comfort for road trips, or even a better feature set for the same price – there might be better options out there.