The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is powered by a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder 1,197 cc Z-Series (Z12E) engine. The petrol configuration produces 81.58 Ps and 111.7 Nm of torque, while the CNG variant delivers 69.75 Ps and 101.8 Nm.

For city-focused buyers, the more relevant number here is torque at everyday speeds rather than peak power.

Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, though the CNG version is exclusively paired with the manual gearbox.

Suspension is MacPherson strut up front and a torsion beam at the rear, a layout typical for this segment.

Braking is handled by front disc and rear drum brakes, with ABS, EBD, Hill Hold Assist, and ESP standard on all variants.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is officially rated as India's most fuel-efficient sedan.

Claimed fuel efficiency stands at 24.79 km/l for manual petrol and 25.71 km/l for AMT, both certified under Rule 115 of the CMVR 1989 by an authorised test agency. The CNG variant is rated at 33.73 km/kg.

These figures are measured under controlled test conditions, so real-world returns, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic, will typically fall short.

The petrol variants come with an Idle Start-Stop system (engine cuts off at standstill, restarts when you release the brake or clutch), which helps claw back some efficiency in heavy traffic.

The petrol tank holds 37 litres. On the CNG variants, the tank capacity is 55 litres water equivalent, alongside a 37-litre petrol reserve for when CNG isn't available.

The Dzire's cabin features a dual-tone black and beige theme across all variants.

Dashboard trim progresses from satin silver on mid variants to a satin silver and wood combination on ZXI and above. The top ZXI+ gets front footwell illumination and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Infotainment scales from a 17.78 cm SmartPlay Pro touchscreen on VXI and ZXI to a larger 22.86 cm SmartPlay Pro+ on the ZXI+, which also adds Arkamys surround sound processing. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on VXI and above.

Driver convenience is addressed with a height-adjustable seat, cruise control, and a wireless charger.

Rear passengers get AC vents, a centre armrest with cup holders, and fast-charging USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) from VXI upward.

Storage includes bottle holders across all doors and a 382-litre boot space equipped with a luggage room lamp. Additional highlights include an electric sunroof and automatic climate control.

At 3,995 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, and 1,525 mm tall on a 2,450 mm wheelbase, the Dzire sits within the sub-4-metre sedan bracket, with the ground clearance being 163 mm unladen.

Lighting equipment varies by variant, where LXI and VXI get FocusBeam projector headlamps, while ZXI and ZXI+ upgrade to LED Crystal Vision headlamps with sleek-line LED DRLs. The ZXI+ adds Clarity Vision LED fog lamps. All variants share 3D Trinity LED rear lamps, a shark fin antenna, and an aero boot lip spoiler.

Wheel sizes run from 165/80 R14 steel wheels on lower variants to 185/65 R15 alloys that are painted on ZXI, precision-cut two-tone on ZXI+ on the higher trims.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire sets a notable benchmark for its segment, achieving a 5-star adult and 4-star child occupant safety rating from Global NCAP, alongside a full 5-star rating for both adult and child protection under Bharat NCAP.

Passive safety foundations begin with the Suzuki HEARTECT body structure, engineered for enhanced rigidity. The engine meets BS6 emission norms.

Six airbags in front, side, and curtain, come fitted as standard on every variant, including the base LXI. Active safety systems standard across the range include ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Hill Hold Assist.

All seats get 3-point seatbelts, a belt reminder buzzer, and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. ISOFix child seat anchorages are also standard throughout.

TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) is available from the ZXI variant upward. A 360-degree HD camera is reserved for the ZXI+ alone.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire’s closest rivals in the sub-4-metre sedan segment are the new Honda Amaze (3rd gen, December 2024), and the Hyundai Aura.

The Honda Amaze has a longer wheelbase of 2,470 mm, translating into more rear seat room than the Dzire's 2,450 mm, and its 416-litre boot is one of the segment's largest.

It also offers a Level 2 ADAS suite and a CVT automatic, a smoother gearbox option the Dzire doesn't offer. The Dzire counters with a significantly higher fuel efficiency rating and a sunroof, which the Amaze doesn't offer in any variant.

The Aura edges out the Dzire slightly in boot space with 402 litres. Conversely, the Dzire counters with superior fuel economy and proven 5-star crash-test safety ratings.