Maruti Suzuki Dzire review - New identity for Maruti's best-selling sedan | Autocar India

Summary

The 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire, now in its fourth generation, brings a complete redesign with sharper looks and added features, setting it apart from its predecessor, the Swift. While the exterior boasts a sleek, angular design and a larger boot, the interior offers a refined cabin with a new 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and enhanced comfort. The Dzire shares its 1.2L engine and AMT gearbox with the Swift, providing a smooth yet unremarkable driving experience. Safety is a key highlight with a 5-star NCAP rating. Competitive pricing and fuel-efficient options make the Dzire a compelling choice in its segment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Maruti Suzuki Desire has been completely redesigned for its fourth generation, moving away from the Swift's bulbous shape to a more sleek and angular design.
• 😀 The Desire features horizontal LED headlamps, a wide grille, and a sporty bumper design, giving it a more sophisticated and modern look compared to its predecessor.
• 😀 Despite its new design, the Desire shares the same platform and dimensions as the Swift, with a 2,450 mm wheelbase and 163 mm ground clearance.
• 😀 The Desire offers improved boot space at 382 liters, which is 100 liters more than the Swift, though it remains the smallest in its segment.
• 😀 Inside, the Desire shares elements like the steering wheel and power window switches with the Swift but offers a new dashboard layout and upgraded features like a 9-inch Smart Play Pro+ touchscreen.
• 😀 The cabin features bright upholstery and a dual-tone dashboard, creating a more airy and spacious environment compared to the Swift's darker interior.
• 😀 The Desire comes with modern tech features such as Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless charger, and a 360-degree camera for added convenience.
• 😀 The back seat is comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three, with limited headroom for taller individuals due to the sloping roofline.
• 😀 The Desire scored a 5-star safety rating for adult occupant protection and 4 stars for child occupant protection in the Global NCAP crash tests.
• 😀 Powering the Desire is the same 1.2L, 3-cylinder engine from the Swift, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, with the AMT offering better comfort in city driving.
• 😀 The Desire's suspension is tuned for comfort, offering a soft ride that absorbs rough roads well, while handling is light and easy for everyday maneuvering.
• 😀 The Desire's fuel efficiency stands at 24.7 km/l for the manual version and 25.7 km/l for the AMT, with the CNG variant offering a higher efficiency of 33.7 km/kg.

Q & A

What makes the new Maruti Suzuki Desire different from the Swift?

The Desire features a completely revamped design with a sleeker, angular look, moving away from the bulbous, curvy appearance of the Swift. It also offers a new boot design and additional features like a sunroof and a larger boot space.

What changes were made to the Desire’s exterior design?

The Desire now sports horizontal LED headlamps, a wide grille with horizontal slats, and a sporty bumper design with angular cuts. The tail lamps are contemporary, and it includes a duct tail spoiler for a more dynamic look.

How does the boot space of the Desire compare to the Swift?

The Desire has a boot space of 382 liters, which is 100 liters more than the Swift. However, it is still the smallest in its segment, with competitors like the Tigor, Aura, and Amaze offering over 400 liters.

What notable features are present in the interior of the new Desire?

The Desire includes a new 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Suzuki Connect, a wireless charger, a dual-tone dashboard with fake wood inserts, and a sunroof. It also offers USB ports and good seat comfort.

How is the cabin comfort in the Desire, especially for rear passengers?

The cabin offers bright upholstery and good cushioning, making the cabin feel more spacious. For rear passengers, the knee room is adequate, but headroom may be tight for taller individuals. There’s a center armrest and AC vents, though it’s not ideal for passengers above 6 feet tall.

What is the crash safety rating of the new Desire?

The new Desire has scored a perfect 5-star rating for adult occupant protection and 4 stars for child occupant protection in crash tests conducted by Global NCAP.

What engine options are available in the Maruti Suzuki Desire?

The Desire comes with the same 1.2L 3-cylinder engine as the Swift, producing 82 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque. It’s available with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission.

How does the AMT gearbox in the Desire perform?

The AMT gearbox is more refined compared to previous versions. It offers a smooth city driving experience and downshifts quickly for overtakes. Though it lacks the sportiness of a manual gearbox, it provides a relaxed drive with better convenience in traffic.

How is the ride quality and handling of the Desire?

The Desire has a soft suspension setup that provides good ride quality, absorbing bumps and rough roads well. The steering is light, making everyday maneuvering easy, but the car does exhibit understeer in tight corners.

What is the fuel efficiency of the Desire, including its CNG variant?

The Desire's fuel efficiency is 24.7 kmpl for the manual variant and 25.7 kmpl for the AMT variant. The CNG variant, available with the manual transmission, claims 33.7 km per kg.