NEW DELHI, India — Maruti Suzuki has formally introduced the Swift DZire, a new compact sedan slotted below the SX4 in the company's ever-expanding portfolio. Prices will start at around $11,000.
The DZire is the seventh new model to be launched by Maruti Suzuki in the past three years. It is aimed at such entry-level sedans in India as the Tata Indigo and the Renault Logan, which are priced starting at $9,100 and $9,600 respectively.
Intended as a replacement for the older Suzuki Esteem, the DZire looks identical to the Swift hatchback from the front except for a chrome grille. From the side, the car has been completely redesigned from B-pillar to tail. The rear door is an all-new design and bigger than that of the hatchback, with more glass area. This ensures that the rear passenger compartment doesn't feel as cramped as the hatchback. The car gets a trunk, with a raised deck lid — the biggest visual change — as well as new taillamps.
Maruti hasn't changed much on the interior, which is virtually identical to that of the hatchback. And since it hasn't extended the car's wheelbase, there is roughly the same legroom, although shoulder- and headroom have been increased. Features include an integrated stereo with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, power windows, antilock brakes and dual airbags.
The DZire uses the same 1.3-liter gas and diesel engines as the standard Swift.
At the car's launch, executives said production capacity at the Manesar plant will more than double, to 300,000 units a year, by 2010.
What this means to you: The DZire costs more than its competitors but looks considerably fresher and more modern. — Hormazd Sorabjee, Correspondent
The DZire is the seventh new model to be launched by Maruti Suzuki in the past three years. It is aimed at such entry-level sedans in India as the Tata Indigo and the Renault Logan, which are priced starting at $9,100 and $9,600 respectively.
Intended as a replacement for the older Suzuki Esteem, the DZire looks identical to the Swift hatchback from the front except for a chrome grille. From the side, the car has been completely redesigned from B-pillar to tail. The rear door is an all-new design and bigger than that of the hatchback, with more glass area. This ensures that the rear passenger compartment doesn't feel as cramped as the hatchback. The car gets a trunk, with a raised deck lid — the biggest visual change — as well as new taillamps.
Maruti hasn't changed much on the interior, which is virtually identical to that of the hatchback. And since it hasn't extended the car's wheelbase, there is roughly the same legroom, although shoulder- and headroom have been increased. Features include an integrated stereo with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, power windows, antilock brakes and dual airbags.
The DZire uses the same 1.3-liter gas and diesel engines as the standard Swift.
At the car's launch, executives said production capacity at the Manesar plant will more than double, to 300,000 units a year, by 2010.
What this means to you: The DZire costs more than its competitors but looks considerably fresher and more modern. — Hormazd Sorabjee, Correspondent
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