Maruti Suzuki has been reborn as a make with a portfolio of global models. Way back in 1994 when Maruti Suzuki had introduced its first entry level sedan 'Esteem', it set a benchmark that continued to rule till late 2000. With the aging of Esteem, Maruti Suzuki scrapped the model from 2008 and has now introduced the new Swift DZire sedan. Swift DZire is the sedan version of the famous Swift hatchback and resembles its sibling in most aspects.
While designing the new sedan, Maruti Suzuki has made an effort to retain the original overall design theme of the Swift hatchback. But the rear of the car is a complete deviation from the Swift and resembles the recently launched Maruti Suzuki SX4 Sedan.
The Swift DZire comes in six variants - LXi, VXi, and ZXi (Petrol) and LDi, VDi, and ZDi (Diesel). The trims are packed with upscale accessories, quality interior materials and safety features that are a first for the segment. The new car certainly looks to be a good replacement for the Esteem. By incorporating the design of the Swift hatchback, Maruti Suzuki has saved heavily on design cost and has managed the project on a low budget.
The DZire provides a choice of the same two engines available on the hatchback version of Swift. The petrol engine is a 1298cc 16-valve In-line 4 that delivers 87 bhp@6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 113 Nm@4500 rpm. The diesel variants get a 1248cc turbocharged DDiS engine that generates 75 bhp@4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 190 Nm@2000 rpm.
The Swift DZire variants have lower kerb weight in their class with petrol variants ranging from 1010-1035 kg and Diesel variants ranging from 1090-1115 kg. The lower kerb weight advantage translates to good performance of the car. The gearbox is slick and the clutch is smooth. This makes driving the car a pleasure.
Overall, the DZire gives the driver good feel and performance that is similar to the Swift hatchback.
The Swift DZire retains the cheeky appeal of its hatchback sibling with a more premium look. Though the front fascia looks almost the same as the hatchback, it has got a flashy chrome grille and slightly sharper design headlamps.
From the side, the sedan has a complete redesign compared to the hatch, especially from the second pillar. It has bigger doors and larger window glass areas that make occupants feel roomier.
The DZire's back is entirely different from the hatchback. The trunk lid is raised and has a lip that merges with the shoulder line of the car. A thick chrome garnish on top of the rear number plate attempts to offset the heaviness of the oversized trunk lid. The rear also flaunts new clear-lens combination lamps.
The car's interior has a luxurious look and feel with the use of good materials. The steering wheel is the same unit that is offered with the Swift and SX4. The instrument cluster has round dials with chrome surround and features a white backlight.
Compared to the hatchback, the most notable changes in the sedan are in the top-end variants that now come with standard steering mounted controls for the music system and the new music system has been well integrated into the dashboard to add a lot of charm. The DZire also has a comfortable seating position for the rear occupants compared to the Swift hatchback. The rear seat backrests are angled at 27 degrees.
The VXi, ZXi, VDi, and ZDi come with quality fittings like integrated audio system, tachometer, and convenience features such as audible headlights-on reminder, centre and front cabin lights, vanity mirror, rear seat center armrest, and front electric power windows. The top-end ZXi and ZDi variants are equipped with more upscale features like front airbags, ABS with EBD brake assist, rear window defogger, adjustable tilt steering, and automatic climate control.
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