Maruti Dzire Facelift: Maruti Suzuki Dzire has been the best selling compact sedan in India right from the time when the first generation model was launched and through multiple generations of the car, the company has kept updating the car with changes that attract the car buying public.
This strategy puts it on the same side of the ledger as larger-than-it-appears German sedans and neck-squirm inducing Italian supercars and the newest facelift doubles down, giving thoughtful advances in design technology and efficiency without the jarring departures that can alienate the brand’s loyal customer base.
These incremental gains strengthen the Dzire’s value proposition as a smart, efficient car that offers more than its small asking price suggests.
Maruti Dzire Facelift: Design Updates- More mature elegance.

The all tossed up Dzire has become more elegant looking without losing the familiar shape. The changes are most noticeable on the front styling where there’s a bigger hexagonal grille which comes with horizontal chrome strips to give the impression of more width.
This grille is joined by redrawn headlamp clusters that now house LED projector units and LED daytime running light signatures on higher spec models – premium flourishes never seen before in this class.
Bumpers front and rear have been revamped with more sculpted forms and tidier surfacing, delivering a more premium presence but without fussy ornamentation.
The hood has very subtle character lines, that lend nicely to the ‘eyelid’ design mentioned further upstream of the thread, but not something impossible to do, pinspot down, but won’t be too demanded for an import due staying lean on production costs which will also help keep it affordable, a strong part/point of the car.
Profile alterations are slight and proportions well balanced to accommodate 4 adults and baggage in less than 4-metres.
Racier alloy wheels designs (15-inch for varaints so equipped) with machine-cut finish lend to the car’s advanced styling, While turn indicators have been integrated into the power-folding mirrors providing a sense of style as well as practical use.
Colour offering is further enriched with new body colour namely Premium Silver, Magma Grey and Oxford Blue, in addition to the dual-tone options.
These finishes are utilising Suzuki’s new paint process with additional protection against diminishing under the harsh sunlight of India, a feature appreciated by owner’s who wish to keep their vehicle over time.
Cabin Evolution: Refined With Care
On the inside, the new Dzire gets new materials and even more technology but not at the cost of the no fuss approach that works well for the car’s target audience.
The dashboard retains its horizontal layout, but higher trims now come with protruding wood-finish inserts which enhance the visual appeal of the interiors. On lower tier models, seat upholstery is upgraded to more durable fabric that resists wear since this is a mainstream model, but higher trims will get Synthetic leather seating with contrast stitching.
Meanwhile, the 7.0-inch central touchscreen swells to 7.0 inches, and gains Suzuki’s SmartPlay Studio interface that now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto – features previously exclusive to a higher class of car.
The interface is designed for usability on the move, with an emphasis on large touch targets and bold contrast, because Suzuki knows many Dzire customers use their cars not as weekend playthings but as full time tools.
Climate controls eschew touch interfaces for physical buttons and rotary dials, a sensible decision given tactile switches are a far more convenient interface on our typical Indian roads where eyes must be kept on traffic.
It uses analog gauges but also features a larger multi-information display that offers a wealth of trip information, fuel consumption averages and maintenance reminders.
Rear seat comfort is equally considered, which is important in light of the number of professionals in urban areas that prefer to be chauffeur driven; optimized cushioning density and marginally more legroom is provided through re-contoured front seatbacks.
Rear air con vents continue across most versions as standard, which is crucial considering the climate of our country.
Powertrain Development: The Quest for Efficiency and Responsiveness
The Dzire retains the same tried and tested 1.2-litre K-series Dual-Jet petrol engine but with revised calibration that further improves the car’s efficiency and drivability.
The non-turbo four-cylinder motor makes 90bhp and 113Nm of torque – more than enough for brisk, responsive acceleration during both city and highway riding.
The twin injector system regulates fuel delivery under all riding conditions for class leading economy with a claimed fuel mileage figure of over 23km/l for the manual transmission variant.
Burke says stop-start technology, which had been limited to upper-level trims, will be available for several early 2016 model year configurations, will help to improve fuel economy by not using fuel while the vehicle is idling in stop-and-go urban congestion.
Gearbox choices include a smooth shifting 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) which Renault calls “Auto Gear Shift.”
AMT updated software logical that result in smoother shifts whilst accelerating gently from a complete stop- one of the main grouses about the previous iterations.
Not as smooth as traditional automatics or a DSG, the AMT brings a sweet compromise of convenience and affordability that sits well in the mind of a value seeker.
A CNG model also remains part of the lineup, especially suitable for commercial use and those with gas stations nearby.
The company-fitted CNG kit does not intrude on space in the boot either, and it being a Maruti, builds for durability even with the alternative fuel.
Technology Integration: Tied Up In Tech.
Sharing the same platform, the technology package is built around “Suzuki Connect” – a class-leading telematics control unit that provides best-in-class features for a connected infotainment systems.
Features such as geofencing alerts, vehicle status reports, driving behaviour analysis, and service reminders – things that tech-savvy customers are coming to expect.”
The application captures real time data that adds to peace of mind, owners also can monitor vehicle location and receive tamper alerts when they are away from the vehicle.
As far as safety tech is concerned, the Kwid Getaway gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard on all variants, which should help the Kwid adhere to the standards as well as offer adequate safety protection in the event of a crash.
Top-end versions get reverse camera with guidelines, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist (for AMT variants).
High tensile steel is used in key areas of the frame and is the key to providing a strong, lightweight frame that has great crash protection without a weight penalty.
Maruti Dzire Facelift: Ownership Experienceand Market Positioning
The value proposition of ownership is not limited to the vehicle and includes Maruti Suzuki’s wide and effective service network – a big asset in Tier 2 and smaller towns where other brands may have very low or limited footprints.
Service intervals are still at 10,000 km, with clear maintenance packages offering predictable ownership costs during the duration of the vehicle.
Competitors in the space, The updated Dzire still goes up against the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Aura and the Tata Tigor.
Even though there may be rivals with specific features or specification higher than that of the Dzire, when you consider the dials number and the overall ownership experience, this Maruti’s balance of performance efficiency and reliability will remain attractive to buyers who are looking for long-term relationship than just readymade showroom specifications.
The Dzire facelift is an embodiment of the Suzuki way of ‘progressive refinement’ rather than radical change – which has worked wonders for the model and the brand in a heavily cost-conscious Indian market.
Tackling the criticisms that customer had and retaining the good that got the car running in the first place, the updated Dzire appears in a good place to remain segment topper despite newer, more technically advanced competition.