2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire launch today: Live and latest updates

When was the second-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire launched?

The first major update to the Swift Dzire took place in 2012. The sedan’s exterior design was changed significantly with the rounded profile making way for a more upright rear. It was therefore 165 mm shorter as well.

The second-generation Swift Dzire was launched at a base price of ₹4.80 lakh  and the top diesel variant was at ₹7.09 lakh (introductory and ex-showroom). 

At the time, the Swift Dzire was competing against models like Tata Indigo eCS, Toyota Etios and Mahindra Verito.

Dzire vs SX4 – Why did one work and the other didn’t?

At the time when the Dzire was first launched, Maruti Suzuki also offered the SX4 which had been around since a year earlier. Now while the SX4 was relatively popular too, it never reached the highs of the Swift Dzire. A key reason for this is that the SX4 was more premium than the Dzire and had a more capable 1.6-litre motor under the hood but at a higher price point as well.

The pace of updates on the SX4 was also not quick enough which meant that by the years 2011 and 2012, it had started looking dated.

The SX4 was competing against the likes of Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento by 2013 when it was finally discontinued and replaced with the Ciaz. The Verna at least was a formidable rival that required a heavyweight like Ciaz, not SX4.

At present, Ciaz remains in the market and still is a segment above the Dzire.

The great Swift vs Swift Dzire debate!

During its initial run in the Indian car market, there were often questions raised about why one would select the Swift Dzire sedan at a slightly higher price point over the Swift hatchback. “They look the same,” many said. “It is just the Swift with a third section,” said a few others. Well, all true but the Swift Dzire was seen as a viable option for families while the Swift was primarily for a younger car-buying audience. Why won’t you want to pack in all that you can in the boot of the Dzire?

The Swift hatchback at the time had a prcing structure which began at around ₹4 lakhs and maxed out at approximately ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom). It was nimble on its feet and peppy enough. But the Dzire was also liked for its comfortable drive character while being larger in proportions. “Millions of Indians own a compact car. With growing incomes and better lifestyles, many of them want to upgrade to a sedan. But today, there are not able to find an entry-level sedan that offers style, features and performance,” S Nakanishi, Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director in 2008 had said at the launch. “The Dzire offers all this and at an attractive price.”

Frankly, the two models never really ate into each other’s market share much.

Quick recap of Dzire launch in 2008

Back almost two decades ago, 16 years to be precise, the Indian car market was a very different battlefield from what it is today. SUV was still an elite body style and compact cars ruled the roads with an air of arrogance. Small cars were practical, affordable and frugal. In came Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire to be all of these, and more. And yes, it was the Swift Dzire back then.

The Swift Dzire was launched in 2008 at a base price of ₹5.45 lakh and went up to ₹7 lakh (ex-showroom). The first-generation model, as well as the subsequent generation versions, were seen as a Swift with an added section for the boot. And it really was. But it clicked with potential buyers and the Dzire began to gradually find favour in the Maruti Suzuki portfolio.

At the time of course, the sedan was offered with both petrol as well as diesel motor. There was only a manual transmission on offer and no CNG kit. There were six variants and over a dozen colours to choose from.

Good morning and welcome to the launch of 2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Car models come and go but certain models are timeless. And if ageing like fine wine is an art, Maruti Suzuki Dzire is quite an artist that paints a stunning self-portrait in its fourth-generation form factor. With over 27 lakh units on Indian roads, one would imagine the Dzire is past its prime. But is it? Stay with us for the launch of the all-new Dzire for the absolute latest from the updated model including, of course, the all-important pricing structure.