Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the fastest entry-level sedan to reach the 1 lakh unit sales and yet again, the automaker has set another benchmark. 2020 Dzire gets an array of aesthetic mods along with safety improvements.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire has been standing strong for the last 10 years and went through numerous updated through this period. The same happened last year when Maruti Suzuki launched the all-new updated Dzire in April. Since then Maruti Suzuki has sold over 2 lakh units of the Dzire, pretty fast I must say.
So, what is so special of this sedan that makes consumers go GAGA over this and in turn making it one of the fastest-selling sedans in its segment? The long-standing champion has a new bunch of competitors that include Ford Aspire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the most preferred compact sedan by us Indians, at least sales figures approve of the same. Dzire range starts from 5.89 lakhs (Ex-Showroom) for the base LXI variant. you get features like power steering, power windows, ABS and airbags for the price. The fully loaded variant of Dzire is priced at Rs.8.80 lakh(Ex-Showroom) for the ZXI+ AMT variant. This variant gets you LED headlights, AMT gearbox, 15” diamond-cut alloys.
Model | LXI | VXI | ZXI | ZXI+ |
Price(Ex-Showroom Delhi)(Manual) | Rs.5,89,000 | Rs.6,79,000 | Rs.7,48,000 | Rs.8,28,000 |
Price(Ex-Showroom Delhi)(AMT) | N/A | Rs.7,31,500 | Rs.8,00,500 | Rs.8,80,500 |
Key Features | ABS and EBD | Front and rear power windows | Engine push start-stop button | 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay |
Front airbags | Blur wood ornamentation | Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Auto Headlamps | |
Power steering | Tachometer | Fog lights | DRL | |
ISOFIX child seat point | Anti-theft security system | Reverse parking sensors | LED projector headlights | |
Dual-tone interiors | 4-speaker system | Automatic climate control | 15” Diamond cut alloy wheels | |
Rear AC vents | 4-speakers with tweeters |
With the discontinuation of Dzire's diesel powerplant, it has left a void in the line-up and it would be apt for Maruti Suzuki to introduce a more powerful engine option to keep up with the competitors, or to set a new trend!
The ZXI variant of new Dzire priced at Rs. 7.48 lakh(Ex-Showroom) is the best option to buy. The essence of the refined petrol engine and its power delivery paired with the smoothness of AMT makes it a great city car.
Maruti Suzuki has always put customer satisfaction at the front and the automaker provides with irresistible offers to woo in prospective buyers. The fastest-selling sedan in India also gets its fair share of offers and the present ones are listed below.
Variant | Discount Offer |
All variants | Rs 65K Benefits (Rs 35K Cash + 25K Exchange + Rs 5000 Corporate) |
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New Dzire is powered by the same 1.2-litre NA K12 petrol engine as old-gen Dzire producing the same power of 83bhp @6000 RPM and peak torque of 113Nm @4200 RPM. The car is lighter than its predecessor and feels punchy and fast when compared to the previous iterations. This tried and tested engine has been the foundation for the Dzire for a long time now and still remains for obvious reasons.
We drove the AMT variant and it did not feel like a regular AMT and it felt much smoother in gearshifts. Be it city driving or highway cruise the gearbox feels very comfortable but lacks instant power delivery in case of overtaking as the gearbox takes its sweet time to downshift and delivers the power.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
Engine | 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K-series VVT | 1.2-litre 4-cylinder i-Vtec | 1.2-liter 4-cylinder Kappa VTVT | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder Ti-VCT |
Power | 81 bhp @6000RPM | 88 bhp @6000RPM | 81 bhp @6000RPM | 94 bhp @6500RPM |
Torque | 113 Nm @4200RPM | 110 Nm @4800RPM | 113 Nm @4000RPM | 120 Nm @4250RPM |
Gearbox | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed CVT | 4-speed AMT | 5-speed manual |
2020 Dzire doesn't boast the most powerful engine of this lot but clever weight management makes it quick on its feet and thus the better performer of this bunch. Ford Aspire has the most powerful engine but its kerb weight lets down on this feat which holds it back from performing.
New Dzire is capable of clocking the 0- 100Kmph run in just 11.9 seconds which makes it faster than the outgoing model. Its new Heartect platform makes the ride more stable and thus adds up to driving confidence.
The combination of a lightweight chassis and the torquey engine makes up for a thrilling experience which helps in propelling the car across the 100 kmph in under 12 seconds. Precise and crisp gear ratios also help in this feat and the AMT gearbox, though a bit sluggish, is not far behind.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
0-100 kmph(seconds) | 11.6 | 12.5 | 13.28 | 13.5 |
None of the competitors can even come close to that of the Dzire and this is the testimony of smart engineering. Honda Amaze struggles to reach close and is the only one in the vicinity. Hyundai Xcent and Ford Aspire take their sweet time for the sprint runs.
This has been the strong point of the Dzire and it has only improved over time. This year with the new HEARTECT platform, Maruti Suzuki has stiffened the ride. This provides for a much more planted driving experience. The suspension is well sorted and is modulated for both supple city and highway runs.
Body roll is minimal and you will love the steering response rate and can even vouch for the fact that it is better in terms of driving dynamics as compared to that of Baleno and Vitara Brezza. A flexible steering column along with adaptive chassis makes up for a wholesome driving experience.
The brakes are well-modulated in this car and Maruti Suzuki has gone for a disc-drum setup to balance between braking efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This is actually one of the few cost-cutting methods that helps!
The AMT equipped cars have a firmer bite to it and there is minimal to nil nose dives. ABS is standard on all variants and its intervention is natural and linear. Maruti Suzuki has also worked with earlier abrasion issues of the brake pads which have now been drastically improved.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
Front Brakes | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum | Drum | Drum |
Kerb Weight | 985 | 1040 | 958 | 1103 |
Kerb weight plays an important role in braking efficiency and Maruti Suzuki has hit a home run with the Dzire in the aspect. Lowe kerb weight gives in for less load on the brakes and thus better performance. Ford Aspire is the heaviest and thus the braking setup on it endures the most.
ARAI figures of AMT petrol variants are 22Kmpl but as we tested the car we got around 17Kmpl in combined city and highway runs in a ratio of 60-40 respectively. With the discontinuation of diesel variants, Maruti Suzuki has to work aggressively on improving the efficiency figures on the Dzire.
We had high hopes on the introduction of a hybrid powertrain in the Dzire. But we will have to wait for it and most probably the next-gen will get it. The Automatic transmission helps squeeze out more mileage off the potent petrol motor due to its fixed ratio and more linear driving characteristics.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
Mileage(ARAI)(kmpl) | 22 | 19 | 17 | 19 |
Tank capacity(L) | 35 | 35 | 42 | 42 |
Range(km) | 770 | 670 | 710 | 800 |
The Dzire still tops this list with the highest range that gives it an added touring potential. The added mileage compensated for its smaller fuel tank which is much bigger in case of Hyundai Xcent and Ford Aspire.
Over the past 4-5 years, many changes were done to the Dzire and all of them were a little touch and minor updates. But with the 2020 Dzire, Maruti Suzuki has completely revamped the cabin. The whole interior has been given a makeover and the steering from a traditional triangular shape has been changed to a more pleasing circular shape with steering mounted controls and wooden inserts which give it a premium feel.
Maruti Suzuki has introduced Auto Headlamps in the top variants and it responds quickly as we tested the vehicle in different light conditions. The dual-tone setup helps amplify the cabin and make it airier along with adding to its premium feel. The seats are as comfortable as ever and there wasn't any need for improvement in this area in the first place.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Apart from the whole new design theme in the interior what comes added with all the flavour is the new Analog speedo cluster which now comes with white backlit and all-new dials over the previous-gen Dzire. The digital display in the middle shows various parameters such as Range, Trip, Odometer, Average Consumption, Instantaneous Average, and Fuel level is also displayed in the digital screen rather than in an analogue manner like in previous-gen Dzire.
Other features include two 12V outputs, ISOFIX rear seats, Automatic Climate Control unit and for the first time, Maruti Suzuki has introduced rear AC vents for the rear passengers. All these changes have uplifted the comfort factor of this best-seller.
The previous generation had a 2-din stereo with a physical button in the top variant but this time the conventional 2-din stereo has been replaced by a 7” Touchscreen infotainment system. The new system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an integrated reverse camera for added safety.
The touch screen response is impressive and feels premium in usage. The audio system also feels better in quality as compared to its predecessor. Maruti Suzuki has paired up the speakers with tweeters for improved acoustics.
With the increase in the overall wheelbase, the legroom on the new Dzire has increased up to 55mm. This means rear seats now have more leg space which caters to occupant comfort. Maruti Suzuki has managed to make an already comfortable car, even better. A cargo area lamp helps you to keep track of stuff in the dark.
But, along with added legroom, you are also treated with 376 litres of boot space with a massive opening. This makes it easy to haul cargo without much difficulty and the floor is carpeted with soft-touch material.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
Boot Capacity | 376 | 420 | 407 | 359 |
Maruti Suzuki has completely changed the looks of the New Dzire when compared to its predecessor. New curvy Hexagonal grill has replaced the traditional grille surrounded by chrome borders. Headlamps have received major upgrades with more powerful LED projector headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps. The Dzire, now also gets Auto-headlamp functionality which is quick and works like a charm.
The body curves from the front have changed a lot while the rear fascia retains some genes from the older model but with added LED taillights and sharper boot lines it now looks even better. Newly designed multi-spoke 15” diamonds cut alloy wheels have been provided in the top variants which adhere to the overall look of the car.
Model | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Honda Amaze | Hyundai Xcent | Ford Aspire |
Length(mm) | 3995 | 3995 | 3995 | 3995 |
Width(mm) | 1735 | 1695 | 1660 | 1704 |
Height(mm) | 1515 | 1501 | 1520 | 1525 |
Ground clearance(mm) | 163 | 170 | 165 | 174 |
Wheelbase(mm) | 2470 | 2450 | 2425 | 2490 |
Kerb Weight(kg) | 860 | 942 | 906 | 1023 |
All the changes are not only done for aesthetic appeal but for practicality too. The dimensions have changed in its latest iteration and is 40mm longer in wheelbase and 40 mm wider and 40mm shorter in height than the previous generation while the length remains the same. This added up for more cabin space and thus improved occupant comfort.
Maruti Suzuki has worked upon the safety of the occupants of the new Dzire. Designed on the new HEARTECT platform, 2020 Dzire is loaded with a safe crumple zone in case of any mishap along with improving the driving dynamics of this already impressive vehicle.
Improving over the last generation Maruti Suzuki now provides ABS and two airbags as standard across all the variants. This makes the new Dzire compliant with upcoming safety norms and regulations and thus giving it a head start. Various safety features are listed below.
New Dzire has a strong market competition with many entry-level sedans and one strong contender is the Honda Amaze. New Dzire is keeping its status high with such sale figures and features as compared to the Honda which only has its involving driving dynamics going for itself.
Maruti Dzire takes a huge leap in terms of sales when compared to Honda Amaze. The engine response of Honda Amaze is not as refined as Dzire. Seating wise, Dzire offers a more comfortable and plush cabin than Honda Amaze. With a huge service dealership network, Maruti holds an advantage over any other manufacturer in India.
Hyundai Xcent gives a tough challenge to Maruti Dzire in terms of sales and value for money. Hyundai has set a standard of providing the best in class features in every model. Considering the space inside the cabin, Dzire holds more advantages over the Xcent. Maruti has taken their time to fine-tune the AMT in Dzire which makes it one of the best in the segment.
The biggest disadvantage of the Aspire is the Ford badge, which is not associated with long term reliability and peace of mind. While the Aspire does have a more powerful engine, it isn’t the most practical one. However, this car remains the go-to choice of enthusiasts, and the Dzire can’t stand a chance against it when it comes to performance and dynamics.
The New Dzire is a step ahead of its predecessor in almost every way, be it interior revamp, exterior changes, premium cabin feel, lighter and improved chassis, increased rear legroom, lots of equipment options and much more.
On the other side, all these changes have made the car a bit more expensive than the older model but still, it’s nothing less for its price and gives an upmarket feel to its occupants. New Dzire is one of the best products from Maruti Suzuki and it shows us why it is selling like hotcakes.