In India's SUV-dominated landscape, a Japanese sedan is outperforming all models, even the Europeans

This sedan has secured a 5-star safety rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.

The Indian automotive space is now dominated by SUVs. Every second car buyer is opting for an SUV, with the segment now contributing almost 55% to the total car sales in the country. With the market rapidly moving towards SUVs, most of the carmakers are also concentrating on adding more such models to their portfolio. However, one car has held its fort despite the unabated march of SUVs. You may think that it is one of the popular hatchbacks, but it is a sedan. And it is none other than the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

The country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, has sold 1,28,797 units of the Dzire in the domestic market in FY26 (April to October). The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is ahead of the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Mahindra Scorpio in terms of year-to-date volumes.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is way ahead of other mass market sedans like the Hyundai Aura, Honda Amaze, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Honda City and Hyundai Verna, so far as domestic volumes are concerned.

This might seem surprising. But it is what it is. We all know that the Dzire is a popular car. However, how did it top the sales chart?

According to industry experts, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire's success is driven by a combination of long-standing fundamentals and market-specific factors such as competitive pricing, reliable and smooth engine, high fuel efficiency, ample space and comfort for the price, high resale value, and strong brand trust and reliability. Most importantly, the car is extremely popular among fleet operators.

While the Dzire is priced between Rs 6,25,600 and Rs 9,31,300 (ex-showroom), its commercial version, the Tour S, sits in the price bracket of Rs 6,23,800 to Rs 7,09,800 (ex-showroom). Following the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation, the prices of the Dzire and the Tour S were reduced by up to Rs 87,700 and Rs 67,200, respectively.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine (Z12E), which produces 81.58PS and 111.7Nm of peak torque. The transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The CNG version (69.75PS and 101.8Nm) can be had with a 5-speed MT. The same powertrains are also available with Maruti Suzuki's popular hatchback, the Swift.

In terms of fuel efficiency, Maruti Suzuki claims the Dzire returns 24.79km/l with the petrol manual, 25.71km/l with the petrol AMT, and 33.73km/kg with the CNG manual.

On the outside, the Dzire gets a sharp grille, LED headlamps with DRLs and LED taillamps. It drives on 15-inch alloy wheels. Among other exterior elements are a shark fin antenna and a small boot-lid spoiler.

Inside, the cabin uses a dual-tone dashboard with a wooden-finish insert. The equipment list includes a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Arkamys audio tuning, a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, rear AC vents, a rear armrest and Suzuki Connect telematics. The car also offers an electric sunroof, which is now becoming more common in this segment.

For safety, the Dzire uses Maruti Suzuki's 5th-generation Heartect platform with 45% high-tensile steel in the body structure. Six airbags, electronic stability program, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, brake assist, three-point seatbelts for all seats, Isofix mounts and a rear defogger are standard. The Dzire has secured a 5-star safety rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.