The Maruti Swift and Dzire have long been associated with one another, with the latter essentially being a sedan version of the popular hatchback. Now, with both models evolving into their latest generations, they share similarities yet exhibit distinct characteristics.
While the Swift has taken a sportier approach with enhanced features, the Dzire has undergone notable design changes, setting itself apart. Both cars fall within the price bracket of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), with the Dzire demanding an additional Rs 50,000. The question remains: does the extra cost justify the sedan upgrade? Let’s find out.
Key Differences Between Maruti Swift and Maruti Dzire
Key Fob Convenience
Both cars come with the same compact key fob, featuring lock and unlock buttons. However, the Dzire gains an advantage with an additional boot unlock button, allowing you to access the boot remotely without needing to pull the lever under the driver’s seat like in the Swift.
Exterior Design: Sporty vs. Sophisticated
The Swift and Dzire now showcase distinct identities. The Swift retains its sporty appeal with aggressive cuts, swept-back LED headlights, a wide grille, and 10-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels. The floating roof effect, thanks to blackened A and B pillars, enhances its appeal.
On the other hand, the Dzire embraces a more premium and mature design. It features sleek rectangular LED headlights, Y-shaped LED taillights, and a chrome strip on the tailgate. The Dzire’s more refined appearance makes it a perfect choice for family car buyers.
Colour Options
| Maruti Swift | Maruti Dzire |
|---|---|
| Sizzling Red* | Gallant Red |
| Luster Blue* | Alluring Blue |
| Novel Orange | Nutmeg Brown |
| Magma Grey | Magma Grey |
| Splendid Silver | Splendid Silver |
| Arctic White* | Arctic White |
| Bluish Black |
*Available with a Midnight Black Roof (dual-tone option)
Boot Space: A Clear Winner
When it comes to practicality, the Dzire takes the lead with a generous 382-litre boot, accommodating a full set of suitcases along with extra duffle bags. The Swift, with its 265-litre boot, is suitable for smaller trips but may feel restrictive for family travels.
Both cars offer 60:40 split-folding rear seats for added flexibility, but the Dzire’s sedan design naturally provides more cargo room.
Interior: Sporty vs. Premium
Inside, both models share a similar layout but cater to different tastes:
- Swift: Features an all-black interior with piano black accents, enhancing its sporty look.
- Dzire: Offers a dual-tone beige and black cabin, which feels more spacious and premium but is prone to stains.
Additionally, the Dzire has a single-pane sunroof, a feature absent in the Swift, adding a sense of openness to the cabin.
Cabin Practicality and Charging Options
Both cars provide decent storage options, including 1-litre bottle holders, a glovebox, and cupholders. However, the Dzire gains an advantage with two extra rear centre armrest cupholders.
For charging, both models offer a wireless phone charging pad, a 12V socket, a USB port, and a Type-C port near the rear AC vents.
Rear Seat Comfort
Passenger comfort is similar in both models, with adequate legroom, headroom, and supportive seats. However, the Dzire’s lighter cabin theme makes it feel more spacious, and the rear centre armrest further enhances comfort.
While both cars can seat three passengers in the rear, it’s more suitable for two adults. Under-thigh support could have been better in both models.
Features and Safety
| Features | Maruti Swift | Maruti Dzire |
| Automatic headlights | ✅ | ✅ |
| Infotainment System | 9-inch touchscreen | 9-inch touchscreen |
| Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | ✅ | ✅ |
| Instrument Cluster | Analogue dials with MID | Analogue dials with coloured MID |
| Speakers | 6-speaker ARKAMYS tuned | 6-speaker ARKAMYS tuned |
| Auto AC | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rear AC Vents | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sunroof | ❌ | ✅ (Single-pane) |
| Wireless phone charger | ✅ | ✅ |
| Push button start/stop | ✅ | ✅ |
| Keyless entry | ✅ | ✅ |
| Front and Rear USB ports | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cruise control | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rear defogger | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rear wiper and washer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rear centre armrest with cupholder | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto-folding ORVM | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airbags | 6 (Standard) | 6 (Standard) |
| Parking Camera | Rear-view | 360-degree |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | ❌ | ✅ |
| Hill Hold Assist | ✅ | ✅ |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | ✅ | ✅ |
The Dzire justifies its Rs 50,000 premium with additional features like a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a rear centre armrest, and TPMS. More importantly, the Dzire has received a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, making it a safer choice.
Powertrain and Performance
| Specification | Maruti Swift | Maruti Dzire |
| Engine | 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol | 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol |
| Power | 82 PS | 82 PS |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-MT / 5-AMT | 5-MT / 5-AMT |
| CNG Option | Yes (70 PS & 102 Nm) | Yes (70 PS & 102 Nm) |
Both cars share the same engine and gearbox options. The 3-cylinder engine is refined for city driving, delivering a mileage of 17-18 kmpl in the city and over 20 kmpl on highways. However, highway overtakes require planning due to the limited power.
- Swift AMT: Great for beginners but slightly jerky, making overtakes tricky.
- Dzire Manual: Smooth gear shifts with a balanced powerband, ideal for city commutes.
Ride and Handling
- Swift: Maintains its sporty driving dynamics but has softened over time.
- Dzire: Focuses on comfort and family-friendly driving, offering a smoother ride.
The Swift is slightly more agile around corners, while the Dzire’s longer wheelbase provides stability at higher speeds.
Verdict: Is The Dzire Worth The Extra Rs 50,000?
The decision depends on your personal preference and needs:
- Choose the Maruti Swift if you prefer a sporty, compact hatchback with agile handling.
- Choose the Maruti Dzire if you need a more practical, feature-rich, and safer sedan with a premium feel and larger boot space.
For just Rs 50,000 extra, the Dzire’s additional comfort features, sunroof, better practicality, and higher safety rating make it the better choice, especially for families.
Which one would you choose? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!