Continued: 10 BIG surprises about the Maruti DZire

Here are 5 more big surprises about the 2017 Maruti DZire.

Becomes bigger in size

The all-new DZire gets different dimensions. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm but the overall length of the vehicle remains the same, which means the overhangs are now shorter. The all-new DZire also becomes wider by 40mm, giving more shoulder room to the occupants.

The new DZire is also shorter in height by 40 mm giving it a sleeker look. The car also gets sharply angled A-Pillar giving it a more sedan-like look rather than a hatchback-converted-into-sedan look.

No Swift name

The DZire was one of the first few sedans in India that were based on the hatchbacks. The previous first generation DZire was based on the Swift and was called Swift DZire. Interestingly, Maruti has dropped the Swift name from the vehicle now.

However, the platform of the new DZire will also underpin the Swift that will be launched next year. Till the new Swift arrives in India, the Swift and DZire will ride on different chassis.

Closer to the ground

The new DZire sits 7mm closer to the ground now. Maruti has reduced the ground clearance by 7mm and the new DZire gets a ground clearance of 163mm instead of 170mm in the current model. The longer wheelbase with lower ground clearance may translate into the new car scraping larger speed breakers. However, we are not sure if Maruti has made any changes to the suspension to mitigate this. We will test the practicality of the vehicle when we drive it next month. Stay tuned to know more.

HEARTECT Platform

The all-new DZire will be the first sedan that will utilise the Suzuki’s 5th generation, B-platform. The platform is made up of high-tensile steel which makes it very lightweight yet rigid.The HEARTECT platform ensures better safety and performance. Also, the driveability of the vehicle is said to improve.

Bigger boot space

The new DZire’s boot space has increased by 60-litres, which is a significant increase. The new DZire gets 376-litres of boot space compared to 316-litres space with the current model. Even though the DZire does not boast of the largest boot in the segment, the 376-litres space is good enough to pack all the luggage for a weekend trip.