New Maruti Dzire CNG Arrives At Dealerships: First Look On Video

Maruti Suzuki misses no tricks. While the new Honda Amaze misses out on a factory-fitted CNG option, Maruti Suzuki has already begun dispatching the CNG version of the new Dzire to dealerships across the country. A Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXi CNG was recently spotted at a dealer stockyard, and here’s a walkaround video that shows more of India’s latest CNG powered compact sedan.

As the video shows, the new Dzire in question is the top-end variant with a CNG tank neatly integrated into the boot. It does reduce boot capacity but that’s a trade-off that every CNG car buyer has come to accept. The new Dzire CNG promises an ARAI certified mileage of 33.73 Kms per Kg of CNG, which makes it 5 % more fuel efficient than the car it replaces. The Dzire ZXI CNG is priced at Rs. 9.84 lakh, ex-showrooom Delhi, which makes it about Rs. 95,000 pricier than the petrol ZXi model.

The engine’s all new – it’s a 1.2 liter-3 cylinder Z12 naturally aspirated unit that makes 68 Bhp of peak power and 102 Nm of peak torque, a 15 % reduction in numbers when compared to what the same engine makes while running on petrol.

On petrol, this motor makes 80 Bhp-114 Nm, and like every CNG powered car, the Dzire CNG can be run on both petrol and CNG. Toggling between both fuels requires just a flick of a switch. This makes the CNG powered Dzire a good choice for both city drives (where CNG is easily accessible) and long distance highway trips (where finding CNG may be a challenge). A key change on the new Dzire CNG is the placement of the fuel nozzle. It’s now behind a fuel flap. Classy stuff, Maruti!

What the Dzire CNG does not get is a AMT option. That’s reserved only for the petrol model. Typically, those seeking high fuel efficiency opt for the manual trims over automatics given the fact that manuals offer slightly better fuel efficiency.

However, if driven well, even AMTs can match/come close to the fuel efficiency delivered by a manual gearbox equipped car. India is yet to warm up to this fact though, especially the cab segment where running costs matter greatly.

The new Dzire’s biggest talking point has been its looks. The car looks very good – Audi-esque in the way the front end has been styled. The rear too is a complete departure from the 3rd generation model’s design.

All in all, the new Dzire looks better than ever before and most folks prefer it to the new Honda Amaze, which has also received a fresh design in its 3rd generation. The interiors of the new Dzire have also been revamped totally, taking inspiration from the new Swift.

Since Maruti Suzuki now offers the new Dzire even in the top-end ZXi trim, the message is very clear. The automaker has now embraced CNG as a fuel to replace diesel, and it’s offering CNG on all variants to ensure that even family/private car buyers have no difficulty in opting for the CNG powered trims. In the past, CNG was seen as a fuel mainly for the cab segment, and car makers used to offer it only the low and mid trims. Times have now changed!

Talking of the cab market, the new Dzire will soon be deployed into the taxi market even as Maruti Suzuki is just about to discontinue the 3rd generation Dzire’s production from its Manesar factory.

The new Dzire will replace the older model in taxi fleets as well. Considering how popular the old Dzire has been in taxi fleets across the country, the new model is expected to be another super hit. Your next Uber or Ola ride could be in the new Dzire.