• The Suzuki Dzire distinguishes itself from the closely-related Swift with new looks.
  • The small sedan retains its sub-4m footprint, but gains more features inside.
  • The Dzire is the first Maruti Suzuki to gain a 5-star safety rating on Global NCAP.

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the fourth generation of the Dzire in India. Unlike its predecessors, the small sedan doesn’t share any resemblance to the Swift hatchback it is based on, adopting its own style.

The Suzuki Dzire measures 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) long with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm (96.5 inches), figures identical to the outgoing model. At the front, the angular LED headlights and the larger grille give it a more serious look, eliminating the cute features of the Swift hatchback.

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The proportions still look odd, as with nearly all sedan offerings with a small footprint. The 14-inch steelies of the base trim don’t help with that, although higher trims ride on 15-inch alloy wheels. The short rear overhang features boxy taillights and and an integrated spoiler, trying hard to look tough.

Inside, the dashboard looks very similar to the Swift, although there are a few changes on the trim, including fake wood accents. An analogue instrument cluster is combined with 9-inch infotainment, which is compatible with wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay connectivity. Higher-spec models also feature auto A/C, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging pad, an electric sunroof, and Suzuki Connect features.

The boot has a capacity of 382 lt (13.5 cubic feet), which doesn’t sound much but is 117 lt (4.1 cubic feet) larger compared to the Swift.

Maruti Suzuki

Safety-wise, the Dzire is the first Maruti Suzuki to achieve a five-star rating on the Global NCAP test. All trims are equipped as standard with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and pedestrian protection.

As with the closely-related Swift, the new generation of the Dzire rides on the tried-and-tested Heartect underpinnings. Under the hood lies a naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine generating 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) when running on gasoline, or 69 hp (51 kW / 70 PS) in the CNG version. The mill can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic, sending power to the front axle.

The Suzuki Dzire is already available to order in India priced between ₹6.79 lakh ($8,000) and ₹10.14 lakh ($12,000). Rivals in the small sedan segment include the Honda Amaze that will soon enter a new generation, the Hyundai Aura, and the Tata Tigor.