Maruti-Suzuki Dzire
Two airbags | Auto climate control | All Power Windows | Keyless entry | Electric ORVMs | Projector headlamps, LED DRLs | Audio sys with CD, USB, Aux | Standard Warranty 2yr/40,000km
We bid farewell to the Maruti-Suzuki Dzire this month. Over a period of six months, various members of the team have helped rack up close to 15,000km. And through it all I don’t think anyone has ever managed to go lower than 18-19kmpl in terms of fuel efficiency. These aren’t even highway figures, mind you - we regularly manage this efficiency in the city! In fact, since I’ve managed to steal the key fob from Rahul, I’ve been seeing upwards of 20kmpl. Sure, I have less traffic on my commute but I also exercise less restraint on the throttle pedal so it really is a very, very fuel efficient car. Like, our designer Gurdeep found on a recent 2,000km plus roadtrip, where he managed over 22kmpl, including highway usage.
The fact that it’s also an automatic makes it even more surprising. Granted, sometimes the Automated Manual Transmission lurches in first gear, or on the shift to second, if you aren’t smooth with throttle inputs. When that happens, it really removes you from the otherwise stress-free experience the ‘box affords. We’ve found this behaviour to occur rather randomly in traffic and has no discernible connection to ambient temperatures, the car being warmed up, or even having put some kilometres on the car now, so it just might be an issue specific to our car. Most times, take-off from standstill is smooth, with a hint of the typical AMT ‘head-nod’ between shifts. I’m willing to
WE’VE RACKED UP CLOSE TO 15,000KM, THROUGH IT ALL THE DZIRE’S EFFICIENCY HAS NEVER DIPPED LOWER THAN 18-19KMPL
live with that given the stress-free convenience and fuel efficiency it still manages to afford.
On other fronts, the Dzire has been almost the perfect car. Though the light interiors show dirt quite easily, they do make the cabin feel spacious and premium. In fact when the Dzire had first come out, on more than one occasion, valet parking attendants remembered me by the fact that I was driving the all-new Dzire, also remarking on how nice it was inside. That isn’t something that happens often, even if you’re driving much more expensive cars, so its testament to what a good job Maruti-Suzuki have done with one of its best-selling cars in the previous generation. With a height adjustable driver’s seat and steering adjustable for rake, I’ve found a perfect driving position. The seats offer good under thigh support and even long drives have me stepping out feeling fresh. Which brings me to the ride quality. When new, it felt slightly stiff over bumps, now there’s a smidge more compliancy as the suspension has settled. It still allows for good body control under hard braking and while cornering, it’s just that the slightly harsh edge has smoothened out. Till now, apart from regular servicing, the only replacement on the car has been an air filter element, changed 10,000km early due to really dusty conditions here in Delhi-NCR. I have a feeling the Dzire will soldier on very well, even if it’s not under our care.