മാരുതി സ്വിഫ്റ്റ് Dzire 2014-2017 ZDI

India's largest automaker, MSIL has silently launched the facelifted version of its compact sedan, Swift Dzire in the country's automobile market. This latest version is all about improved looks, features and enhanced fuel economy. This vehicle is now available in a total of eight variants among which, Maruti Swift Dzire ZDI is the top end diesel trim. Powering this variant is the refined 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motor that is now capable of delivering a peak mileage of 20.85 Kmpl, which is rather impressive. However, there is no improvement in its power production and is mated to a five speed manual gearbox. Apart from technical updates, this vehicle gets several modifications to its exteriors with new single blade radiator grille, black tinted headlight cluster and refined bumpers. While its interior design remains same as its previous version, but the quality of seating upholstery has been improved. At the same time, its rear cabin hosts a center armrest along with an accessory power socket, which provides additional convenience. Furthermore, this top end trim is now bestowed with an improved audio system along with steering mounted Bluetooth audio controls. In terms of safety, it is bestowed with rear parking sensors, which makes simplifies the driver's efforts to park this vehicle.

Exteriors:

This newly launched sub 4-meter sedan has the same body structure like its earlier version, but its exterior cosmetics have been refurbished. The radiator grille in the center gets a complete new design with a single chrome plated bar that sits on a perforated mesh. The design of its headlight cluster remains same, but the black finish inside gives it an aggressive look. The front bumper is also modified with pronounced air intake section and re-positioned fog lamps. At the same time, its fog lamp console is now decorated with chrome strips that amplifies the front facade. The side profile remains to be the same like its earlier version. However, its fenders are now fitted with 'Motion Themed' alloy wheels, which expresses the dynamism of this vehicle. It also has trendy features like black garnished A and B pillars along with body colored ORVMs and door handles. Coming to the rear, this vehicle, its body colored bumper gets a minor tweak with expressive new design. Apart from this, all its remaining aspects remained untouched. On the other hand, the manufacturer has introduced this compact sedan in seven attractive exterior color options out of which, four paints are new. These new shades includes Magma Grey, Alp Blue, Sangria Red and Cave Black.

Interiors:

This newly introduced compact sedan has a sublime interior design, as it is done up with an attractive dual tone color scheme. However, there is no update given to the interior design and it continuous to look the same. The manufacturer has added a set of new features inside the cabin like center armrest along with accessory power sockets at rear and push button engine start on its dashboard. The design of the seats too remains similar to its predecessor, but there is a slight improvement in its fabric quality that adds to the plushness. These seats are well cushioned and wide, which eventually makes it comfortable for the occupants. The most attractive aspect of the cabin is its three spoke steering wheel that has metallic accents along with chrome plated company's logo. Furthermore, it is now mounted with Bluetooth audio control switches, which adds to the convenience. Additionally there are numerous convenience based features given inside the cabin like accessory power sockets, passenger's side sun visor with vanity mirror, drink holder and split folding rear seat.

Engine and Performance:

This vehicle is fitted with a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine that has received some technical updates, which improved its fuel efficiency. It has the same DOHC valve configuration featuring four cylinders and sixteen valves. It receives fuel through an advanced common rail fuel injection system. This 1248cc engine is also integrated with a fixed geometry turbocharger that allows it to churn out 74bhp of peak power at 4000rpm that results in a mammoth torque of 190Nm at just 2000rpm. Transmission duties are handled by the five speed manual transmission gearbox that transmits the torque output to its front wheels. This engine is now capable of delivering a maximum mileage of 26.59Kmpl, which makes this sedan as the most fuel efficient vehicle in the country.

Braking and Handling:

This Maruti Swift Dzire ZDI trim is bestowed with a proficient braking mechanism wherein, its front wheels are fitted ventilated discs and the rear ones are coupled to a sturdy set of drum brakes. Since it is a top end variant, features like anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution comes as standard, which helps to increase its braking mechanism. In terms of suspension, this vehicle gets McPherson strut fitted to its front axle and the rear one is mated with a torsion beam type of suspension. This mechanism helps to keep the vehicle well balanced on any road condition. At the same time, it is also blessed with a rack and pinion based electric power assisted steering that supports a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters.

Comfort Features:

This top end diesel variant is available with all the standard comfort features along with a few advanced aspects. The list includes a multi-functional steering wheel, driver's seat height adjuster, adjustable head restraints, foldable rear center armrest, electrically operated windows and tilt adjustable power steering system. In addition to these, it also has central door lock, remote keyless entry function, electromagnetic back door operation, day/night inside rear view mirror, electrically foldable and adjustable wing mirrors and a large glove box. This vehicle is also blessed with a proficient audio system including a CD player, Radio tuner and connectivity port for USB device. Additionally, it also gets four speakers, two tweeters and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming.

Safety Features:

This Maruti Swift Dzire ZDI trim gets several advanced safety features, which offers basic protection to the occupants. The list includes airbags for front passengers, anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, front three point ELR seat belts with shoulder height adjuster, rear door child locks, engine immobilizer and speed sensitive automatic door lock and a security alarm system. In addition to these, this vehicle is now blessed with reverse parking sensors that certainly makes it easier for the driver to park this compact sedan.

Pros:

1. Improved fuel economy is its big plus point.

2. External appearance is rather decent.

Cons:

1. There is a need to improve comfort features.

2. Safety features are not as good as other competitors.