Next-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire spotted testing: Gets a bunch of changes for 2024

The new Dzire will be based on the next-gen Swift that is expected to launch in the not-too-distant future.

Maruti Suzuki seems to be getting ready to launch the next-generation Dzire. Internally codenamed YED, the Dzire has been spotted testing on the roads, giving us a glimpse into what to expect.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire has always been a Swift-based compact sedan. As such, it shared a lot of its styling with the hatchback and this continues to be the case. The new Dzire will be based on the next-gen Swift that is expected to launch in the not-too-distant future. The front will look identical to the new Swift, which means you’ll get the same kind of grille, headlights and front bumpers. Most of the side body panels including the doors and the front fenders will also remain identical to the new Swift. The current-gen Dzire gets a different rear passenger door from its Swift counterpart thanks to the position of the door handle. The next-gen Swift seems to have the handle in a more conventional place and this seems to be carried forward onto the Dzire.

There are some differences, however, between the two cars. Most obvious is the rear section. Living up to its sedan styling, the Dzire gets an extended boot allowing for trunk space and more space for the factory-fitted CNG kit that will also eventually come to the lineup. There is a whole new set of tail lamps that extend slightly upwards. The spy images also suggest a flatter roofline and a new set of alloys. There could be a few more exterior accents allowing for a slightly more premium look for the Dzire.

Over on the inside, again, there shouldn’t be many differences between the hatchback and the sedan. The Japanese-spec Swift gets a floating infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and a new dashboard design complete with rectangular AC vents and new HVAC controls. Most of these should make their way into the Dzire as well, including the 9-inch infotainment screen. Maruti could equip the Dzire with a new 360-degree camera as well like that available on the mini-SUV Fronx and the premium hatchback Baleno. Aside from this, the Dzire may get a more upmarket theme to the interior such as lighter colours and a sprinkling of brushed aluminium and faux wood accents.

Under the hood, the Dzire will be powered by the new engine that debuted with the Swift in Japan. This powertrain will make it to the India-spec version as well and will do duty in the new Dzire too. In Japan, the Swift’s 1.2-litre 12-valve DOHC engine produces 82hp of maximum power at 5,700 rpm and 108Nm of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. (Japan has a mild-hybrid option as well, but that is unlikely to be offered here.) These numbers are lower than the current 90hp and 108Nm output figures from the K-series engines, but Suzuki has said that the new Z-series powertrains allow for better low-end performance and better efficiency. According to the WLTP cycle, the Swift gets a mileage of 23.4 km to the litre. Upon launch, both the Swift and the Dzire will get manual as well as automatic transmission options.

As far as launch goes, the Maruti Suzuki Swift should be looking at an India debut within the next few weeks. The Dzire, however, will take a little more time. Sometime around the middle of the year like June, we should hear more news. In terms of pricing, we could see a slight mark-up from the current starting price of Rs 6.56 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.