Key highlights:
- New Z-Series 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine
- Available with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT
- Claimed mileage: up to 24.79 km/l (petrol) and 33.7 km/kg (CNG)
- Doesn’t look like a Swift anymore—and that’s a good thing
After 16 years of strong sales and generational tweaks, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire returns in its fourth-gen avatar, and it’s more distinct than ever. No longer just a booted Swift, the new Dzire wears its compact sedan identity with more confidence. It’s new, it’s cleaner in design, and it finally breaks visual ties with its hatchback sibling.
While we’ve already walked you through its interiors and exterior in separate videos, this story is all about how it feels to drive—both with the AMT and manual gearbox. I drove both versions around the streets, highways, and narrow bylanes of Goa, and here’s everything you need to know.
Powertrain & Performance: Punch Where It Matters
Powering the Dzire is Suzuki’s new Z-Series 1.2L, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. In petrol-only guise, it develops 81.6 PS and 111.7 Nm of torque, while the CNG variant drops that to 69.5 PS and 101.8 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. CNG trims get the manual only.
Let’s talk acceleration. Whether you go AMT or manual, this new engine is surprisingly rev-happy. It’ll rev to the redline at 6,000 RPM without sounding overly strained. It’s not trying to be sporty, but there’s enough poke to make overtakes easy and to give you a little grin when you floor it. In fact, even in third gear, the Dzire will breach 100 km/h effortlessly.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Manual vs AMT: Choose Your Comfort Zone
If you’re someone who loves rowing through gears, the manual is the one to get. The 5-speed unit is slick, the clutch is light, and shift throws are short and satisfying. You can crawl in second gear with zero throttle input—perfect for congested urban commutes. It’s an effortless car to drive in traffic, and there’s a gear shift indicator to help you stay in the efficiency band.
The AMT, on the other hand, is built for convenience. Slot it in D, and it does its job without fuss. Of course, being an AMT, there’s that familiar head-nod during gear changes, especially under hard throttle. But in 2024, this unit feels more refined than ever. It responds better to throttle inputs and even offers a manual mode that won’t auto-upshift—giving you full control when you want it.
NVH & Refinement: Surprisingly Mature
Three-cylinder engines often carry the baggage of excessive vibrations and coarse sound profiles—but not here. Both in the manual and AMT variants, NVH levels are impressively contained. The steering doesn’t shake, the mirrors stay still, and unless you’re deliberately looking for it, vibrations are hard to spot. Even at idle or during high-speed cruising, cabin insulation is surprisingly mature for a car in this price bracket.
On highways, the Dzire feels planted at 80–100 km/h. Wind and tyre noise are well controlled, though you’ll hear some tyre thud on concrete surfaces. No major vertical movement, no floaty unpredictability. It’s a compact sedan that doesn’t feel nervous at speed.
Ride & Handling: Built For Indian Roads
Maruti has stuck with 15-inch wheels, which is a win for comfort. The suspension tuning strikes a lovely balance—soft enough to soak up potholes and harsh edges, yet firm enough to not bounce around on highways. Over speed breakers or broken roads, the underbelly never scraped, even with two passengers and luggage on board.
The EPS steering is light at low speeds and easy to twirl for U-turns or tight parking. There’s some dead zone around the center, and while it doesn’t offer sharp feedback, it’s exactly what the average Dzire buyer needs—predictable, fuss-free operation.
Braking, AC & Everyday Usability
Braking duties are handled by front discs and rear drums. The pedal feel is progressive, making it beginner-friendly. It’s not razor-sharp but gets the job done without complaints. The footwell is well designed too, with a proper dead pedal in the AMT variant for long-distance comfort.
Air conditioning performance deserves a shout-out. Even in the hot and humid Goan summer, cabin cooling was quick and consistent, with the automatic climate control managing airflow smartly. Yes, there’s idle start-stop tech, which helps marginally with fuel savings. But like always, you might want to switch it off in bumper-to-bumper traffic if you want uninterrupted cooling and less wear on engine mounts.
Mileage: Real-World Efficiency Check
Maruti claims 24.79 km/l (AMT/manual) and 33.7 km/kg (CNG). On our test drive, both cars returned 15.4–16.4 km/l, despite aggressive throttle use and multiple acceleration tests. With calmer driving, real-world figures should hover in the 17–20 km/l range for petrol. No complaints there.
Verdict: The Dzire Is Still the Dzire—Only Better
With its more distinct design, improved engine refinement, and well-calibrated dynamics, the new Dzire continues to be an excellent pick in the compact sedan segment. It doesn’t try to be sporty, luxurious, or high-tech for the sake of it. Instead, it nails the basics: comfort, efficiency, drivability, and ease of ownership.
If you’re looking for an honest, reliable, and now—finally—more stylish sedan that’s as happy in the city as it is on long drives, the new 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire is hard to ignore.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki Fronx – Detailed Review