The new Maruti Dzire BS6 facelift comes with fresh cosmetics at a starting price of Rs 5.89 lakh ex-showroom
It was towards the end of March that Maruti Suzuki launched the new facelifted Dzire subcompact sedan with new cosmetics and features. Ex-showroom prices start at Rs 5.89 lakh for the base LXi variant while the range-topping ZXi+ AMT variant hits Rs 8.80 lakh. It is not news that the Indian automaker has shifted to a petrol-only portfolio for the BS6 era.
In 2020MY format, the Maruti Dzire receives a revised front-end, new alloy wheels, wooden interior panelling, cruise control, ISS (Idle Start/Stop) and electric-folding ORVMs. The highlight remains the BS6-compliant 1.2-litre K-Series ‘Dual Jet Dual VVT’ NA petrol four-cylinder motor.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, automotive dealerships have gradually opened for business. Owing to this, Maruti Suzuki Arena outlets have started receiving new 2020MY Dzire units. Indian automotive YouTube channel The Car Show has shared a detailed walkaround of the facelifted subcompact sedan at a dealership in Chandigarh.
On the inside, the 7.0-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system has been updated with better functionalities. Seats wear a new dual-tone theme. Compared to the front fascia, the rear profile gets only mild updates. In its latest avatar, the Maruti Dzire is offered with two extra colour choices: Premium Silver and Phoenix Red.
In AMT format, features such as ESP and Hill Hold Assist were added on the list. Maruti Suzuki claims to have brought substantial improvements in terms of safety. As part of this, the front and rear brakes are bigger in size and promise longer life too.
The updated petrol engine is good for around 88bhp (~7bhp more) and 113Nm of torque while mated to a 5-speed manual or its respective AMT or AGS. ARAI-claimed fuel economy figures stand at 23.26km/l and 24.12km/l for the manual and AMT variant variants, respectively. The old BS4 1.3-litre DDiS diesel four-cylinder mill (sourced from FCA) was rated at 74bhp and 190Nm.
A subcompact or sub-four-metre sedan in its purest form is an abomination. The Indian market is mostly behind factors such as size, practicality and fuel economy rather than aesthetic taste. Hence, categories such as cut-short sedans and raised hatchbacks find a lot of takers.
However, the third-generation Maruti Dzire somehow makes the best of its limited proportions. Despite spanning under four metres in length, it looks more like a sedan rather than a hatchback with a bolt-on boot. Still, one could argue that the pre-facelift third-gen model looked smarter.