The Maruti Suzuki Dzire has long been the best-selling sedan in India, enjoying dominance in both the compact and overall sedan segments. The newly launched 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire introduces a fresh generation of updates, aiming to set a new benchmark in the market. Let’s dive into the key differences between the new Dzire and its predecessor, helping you understand what has changed and whether the upgrade is worth it.
1. Engine: A Shift in Power Dynamics
The engine of the new Dzire marks a significant departure from its predecessor. The old Dzire was powered by the K-Series 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Dual-Jet Dual-VVT petrol engine delivering 89.7PS and 113Nm of torque.
In contrast, the new Dzire comes with the Z12E 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 81.58PS and 111.7Nm of torque. While the power and torque figures have seen a marginal dip, Maruti Suzuki claims this new engine is among the most fuel-efficient in the world. Transmission options remain unchanged, offering a 5-speed manual (MT) and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).
2. Mileage: An Even More Efficient Ride
Maruti Suzuki has always been synonymous with fuel efficiency, and the Dzire is no exception.
- Old Dzire Mileage:
- MT: 23.26kmpl
- AMT: 24.12kmpl
- New Dzire Mileage:
- MT: 24.79kmpl
- AMT: 25.71kmpl
The new Dzire outperforms its predecessor in fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily commuters and long-distance drivers.
3. Safety: A Dramatic Leap Forward
Safety has historically been a sore point for Maruti Suzuki vehicles, but the new Dzire makes a significant leap in this regard.
- Old Dzire: Scored 2 stars in Global NCAP crash tests for both adult and child safety.
- New Dzire: Achieved an impressive 5 stars for adult occupant protection and 4 stars for child occupant protection in Global NCAP tests.
The new model comes equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and other advanced safety features as standard, making it the safest Dzire ever.
While Global NCAP is an external agency and not government-accredited in India, Maruti Suzuki ensures compliance with all Indian safety regulations.
4. Price: A Justified Hike
With all the new features and improvements, the 2024 Dzire has seen a price increase.
- Old Dzire Price Range: Rs 6.56 lakh to Rs 9.39 lakh (ex-showroom)
- New Dzire Price Range: Rs 6.79 lakh to Rs 10.14 lakh (ex-showroom)
Although pricier, the enhancements in safety, fuel efficiency, and overall features justify the hike.
5. Fleet Segment: A Change in Focus
The old Dzire (Tour S) was a favorite among fleet operators, with around 30-35% of its sales attributed to the fleet segment. However, Maruti Suzuki has decided not to offer the new Dzire for fleet duties.
Instead, the Tour S will continue to cater to fleet customers, maintaining its position in the market while the new Dzire focuses solely on personal buyers.
Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?
The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire represents a generation leap with improved safety, better fuel efficiency, and a modern design. While the engine’s power figures have slightly dipped, the trade-off comes in the form of unparalleled mileage and safety upgrades.
If you’re in the market for a compact sedan with cutting-edge features, excellent fuel efficiency, and high safety standards, the new Dzire is the way to go. However, if budget is a constraint, the old Dzire still remains a solid option, especially in its Tour S avatar for fleet operators.
