This month I had the chance to drive the new generation of the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The third generation of India’s favourite hatch is delightful. Always known for its peppiness and youthful demeanour, the new car is even more so. Naturally, because it’s lighter than before, based as it is on the HEARTECT platform that it shares with the Baleno. And these are traits that the Maruti Suzuki Dzire shows as well.
Fine, it’s not as funky and youthful when it comes to the styling and the overall positioning of the sedan, but where driving is concerned, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is one of the most fun to drive cars amongst the sub-4m sedans. Darting in and out of gaps in the traffic on the commute home and tackling the two really sharp turns on the route never fails to bring a smile to my face. Even on an evil, evil day. And none of this burns a hole in my pocket. As I have mentioned in the past, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire continues to run in the vicinity of 20kmpl. Usually, above that figure, unless I’m really pushing hard because I’m running late for a meeting. It has come to a point where I feel disappointed when, on the odd day, the trip computer flashes 19.9kmpl. On one given trip to Mumbai and back I even managed to eke out an incredible 28.6kmpl!
“The Maruti Suzuki Dzire continues to run in the vicinity of 20kmpl”
But enough on fuel economy. That’s only half the reason why I’m in love with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. I love its playfulness. Around a turn, a sudden lifting off the throttle cuts the tail loose for that fraction of a moment. Just enough to transform the smile to a grin. At the same time when I’m behaving myself because the wifey is next to me and the kids are strapped in at the back, they don’t feel cramped. On the downside, the touchscreen decided to act up and refused to play songs from my phone despite the phone being connected via Bluetooth. The problem seems to have sorted itself for now but will need to get that checked at the next service.
“I love the Dzire’s playfulness”