Next-Gen Maruti Dzire Spied Outside ARAI Pune: Launch Imminent

Maruti Suzuki is rumoured to have a slew of interesting launches coming. It is reportedly working on a next-generation Dzire sedan for India. A smartly camouflaged test mule was recently spied near ARAI Pune, revealing no more details than what previous sightings had revealed. It had ARAI’s testing equipment attached to the exhaust. The pictures also show the ORVMs to have integrated camera units. We can thus expect the next-gen DZire to come with a 360-degree camera.

The New DZire Could Have A Fresh Take On Design

The new Dzire is expected to feature a new, more mature design that aligns with that of the fourth-generation Swift, which it is based on. Up front, it could do with an updated grille, sleek new LED headlamps that include integrated LED DRLs, a reworked bumper, a wider bonnet, and upgraded fog lamps. The tail lamps are also likely to host changes within. There could also be new 16-inch alloy wheels and refreshed side skirts. Details on these will only be known closer to launch.

Upgraded Features and Tech-Savvy Interior

Inside, the Dzire would undergo a significant overhaul, mostly mirroring the improvements seen in the new Swift. The cabin would look more upmarket, with an increased sense of space and a more distinct visual identity.

Expect the new Dzire to be packed with features, likely even surpassing the new Swift. A 360-degree surround-view camera (as confirmed by the spy shots) and a single-pane sunroof could be introduced, both of which would be first-in-segment features, giving it a visible advantage over the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura. There could also be improved smartphone connectivity, steering-mounted controls, a wireless charger, cruise control, a refreshed instrument cluster, and a floating 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Safety

Safety has been a major sore point for many Maruti Suzuki cars. The upcoming DZire could address these concerns with its extensive range of safety features and equipment. It will have rear parking sensors, ISOFIX anchors, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill start assist and electronic stability control. There are rumours of it getting a few ADAS features, which are extremely unlikely to be true considering the Dzire’s segment and price point.

It Will Have A New Powertrain

Under the hood, the new Dzire will have Maruti’s new Z-series 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, which also powers the new Swift. The Z12 engine replaces the previous four-cylinder, K-series engine. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and AMT. Though there is no official word on it yet, we believe it to have similar power and torque figures as the new Swift hatchback- 82 hp and 112 Nm.

The Z series engine has a claimed fuel efficiency of 24.80 kpl on the Swift (with manual transmission) and 25.75 kmpl on the automatic variants of the hatchback. The DZire has always been loved for its frugal nature. Thus, it makes sense to expect the upcoming generation of the sedan to offer equal if not more mileage than the fourth-generation Swift.

The current DZire has factory-fitted CNG dual-fuel options on multiple variants. The same will continue in the upcoming generation as well, as the CNG variants are quite popular in many parts of the country, especially in the fleet segment.

Launch Timeline And Expected Price

Maruti Suzuki could launch the next generation Dzire in India, in October. Though there has not been any official word on the launch timeline yet, we expect it to happen close to the festive season. Considering the changes it packs, the new Dzire could have a slight price premium over the outgoing model. 6.99 lakh for the base variant is what we have in mind…

Source: Team BHP  Featured image source: Autobics